How to determine the correct age for castration of a cat

Sterilization of cats and Sphynx cats has become one of the most popular operations in recent years. Owners who do not intend to engage in breeding prefer to spare animals from the suffering associated with sexual hunting at an early age.

Most veterinary specialists agree that castration of cats is the most humane solution to problems associated with the birth of unwanted offspring, the appearance of an unpleasant odor in the house, the development of inflammatory processes and cancerous tumors in the mammary glands and genitals of cats.

We will find out at what age it is best to perform surgery and how to care for animals after surgery.

Optimal age for castration of Sphynx cats

The best age at which Sphynx cats are castrated is considered to be from 6 to 9 months. At this time, the reproductive system of animals is already formed and ready to reproduce offspring. It is unsafe to perform earlier operations, since the cat’s fragile body may react inadequately to the introduction of general anesthesia.

Some owners greatly delay the timing of the operation, following outdated, deep-rooted stereotypes about the advisability of castration already in adulthood.

However, castration of a Sphynx cat at a later age is also undesirable due to the established habit of marking territory and the desire to leave the premises in order to communicate with the female.

Note! Sometimes a Sphynx cat that takes part in breeding has to be neutered in adulthood for medical reasons. In this case, “sexual” habits may remain, only the form of their expression will become less pronounced.

Advantages and disadvantages of manipulation

Castration of a cat has many advantages, among which the most significant is the normalization of hormonal levels, which allows the animal to live longer and calmer. It is impossible not to note the disappearance of sexual desire, as a consequence, the stabilization of the psychological state. A neutered Sphynx stops marking territory and reduces the likelihood of developing urolithiasis and cancerous tumors.

If we talk about the disadvantages of castration and sterilization of cats, then we should take into account the influence of general anesthesia, which can negatively affect the health of the pet. In addition, any operation can provoke consequences, and they do not always depend on the qualifications of the veterinarian. In females, after surgery, urinary incontinence is sometimes observed, but drug therapy helps to cope with it.

Preparing a cat for surgery

Despite the fact that castration of a Sphynx cat at any age is a fairly simple operation, it is necessary to take the choice of a veterinary specialist seriously. When it comes to the health of your beloved cat, you should not choose a clinic with the lowest prices and a dubious reputation.

The qualifications of a specialist can be judged by the following criteria:

• mandatory preliminary examination of the cat before castration, regardless of its age;
• conducting and interpreting ECG results;
• collection of anamnestic data to determine whether the cat has allergies or intolerance to certain drugs or products.

After receiving the necessary information about the cat, the veterinarian sets the exact date and time for castration and gives the owner instructions on preparing the animal for surgery.

The list of requirements includes only 2 points:

1. Fasting diet 12 hours before castration.
2. Do not let the cat drink 3-4 hours before surgery.

Failure to comply with these rules can lead to intense vomiting or diarrhea in a Sphynx cat during anesthesia, as well as involuntary emptying of the bladder in an animal on the operating table.

Important! It has been scientifically proven that sterilization minimizes the risk of developing mammary and genital cancer in females and males.

Why is sterilization necessary?

Before you understand the purpose of surgery, you need to understand the concepts of castration and sterilization. Some people are convinced that the first procedure is carried out for cats, and the second is intended for cats. This opinion is not true, since both interventions can be performed on both females and males. Castration, which is called oophorectomy for cats, is the removal of the testes in cats and the ovaries in cats. During the sterilization process, the male gonads and fallopian tubes of females are tightened. Both procedures serve to eliminate sexual desire and solve problems with unplanned offspring. Veterinarians advise making the first intervention.

How does castration work?

Castration of a Sphynx cat at any age takes place under general anesthesia. Therefore, immediately before administering anesthesia, the doctor weighs the cat to accurately calculate the dose of the drug.

Important! A qualified veterinary specialist must carry out an additional preoperative examination of the Sphynx cat, regardless of the age of the animal. The doctor measures body temperature, performs auscultation of the heart and lungs, and also counts the number of heartbeats and assesses the condition of visible mucous membranes.

Algorithm for castration of Sphynx cats of all ages:

• introduction of general anesthesia;
• removal of hair on the scrotum;
• treatment of the surgical field with an antiseptic;
• cutting the skin of the scrotum with a scalpel;
• removal of both testicles;
• ligation and cutting of the spermatic cords;
• treating the incision with an antiseptic drug.

Note! There are no sutures placed on the incisions, since there are no large vessels on the skin of the scrotum in cats, and there is no risk of bleeding.

The entire castration procedure takes no more than 10-15 minutes. But the Sphynx cat can sleep for another hour after anesthesia. In good clinics, pets that have not regained consciousness are not handed over to their owners. This is done so that in the event of complications from anesthesia, the animal can be provided with professional assistance in a timely manner.

To carry out the operation, you can call a doctor at home, after consulting with him about at what age it is best to castrate a Sphynx cat. This has the following advantages:

• lack of stress from transportation and communication with other animals in the clinic;
• no risk of cat infection from contact with sick pets;
• saving owners time.

Among the disadvantages of castration at home, it is worth noting only the impossibility of providing resuscitation care to a Sphynx cat if the pet is allergic to the drug used for anesthesia. But similar facts in veterinary practice have been recorded in isolated cases.

How is the operation performed?

Before a Sphynx cat is castrated, he is given a medication that helps the body endure surgery. Why is a cat given an injection with anesthesia? Next, the veterinarian proceeds directly to the intervention, following the following algorithm of actions:

1. Prepares the operated area.
2. Conducts disinfection.
3. Makes an incision in the scrotum.
4. Removes the testes from it.
5. Places a ligature on the spermatic cord so as not to provoke bleeding.
6. Excises the testes.
7. He sews up the scrotum.

Some veterinary clinics offer seamless procedures.

Care after castration

After returning home from the clinic where castration was performed, the Sphynx should be laid on a soft bedding covered with an absorbent diaper and covered with a warm blanket.

Note! It is necessary to cover a Sphynx cat at any ambient temperature, as the animal may get chills after anesthesia.

After castration, you should not place your pet on a table, sofa, chair or favorite windowsill, since in a semi-conscious state, even a mature cat can fall and get injured.

To alleviate the animal’s condition after waking up, the room should be kept quiet and have dim, soft lighting. For the first two days after castration, it is necessary to isolate the Sphynx cat from small children and animals.

Feeding your pet should begin the day after castration. But you can give water to your cat 3-4 hours after waking up from anesthesia.

Note! Place the tray next to the bedding on which the operated cat is lying. This will make it easier for your pet to go to the toilet if, after anesthesia, he has temporary loss of orientation in space or other problems with movement.

After castration, a Sphynx cat may experience a single act of involuntary urination and vomiting. There is no need to worry about this, as they are considered a natural reaction of the body to the drug. If the symptoms of intoxication in a cat continue for more than 2 days, then it is necessary to show the pet to the veterinarian who performed the castration.

If the Sphynx cat licks wounds very intensively, it is worth putting on a postoperative collar for 1-2 days and treating the damaged area with chlorhexidine or another antiseptic 2-3 times a day.

Is it true that there are no allergies to hairless cats?

The most persistent and harmful myth is that hairless cats are hypoallergenic. People believe they are allergic to cat hair, and adopting a hairless pet seems like a good solution. Unfortunately, most often the allergy is caused by a special protein that is found in the saliva, urine and skin secretions of cats.

The Sphynx's skin contains sebum, a protective skin lubricant. This brown substance may be an allergen. If a person is allergic to cat saliva or fur, then he will be able to live in an apartment with a naked pet. All you need to do is wash your hands thoroughly after touching the cat.

Hypoallergenic? what are you saying?

Optimal age for sterilization of Sphynx cats

It is best to spay a Sphynx cat before her first heat, which means the operation should be performed between 6 and 10 months of age.

But you need to take into account that females of this breed are considered “early” in terms of maturation, and the first estrus can begin at the age of 4-5 months. However, veterinary specialists at this age do not recommend castration of Sphynx cats, since the animal’s fragile body is still growing rapidly, and general anesthesia can negatively affect the state of the nervous and immune systems.

Very important! It is forbidden to sterilize Sphynx cats during heat at any age. This can cause excessive bleeding and be fatal.

If your cat has not been spayed before her first heat, every precaution should be taken to prevent pregnancy. The operation will need to be performed a week after the onset of anestrus.

At what age should a Sphynx be neutered?

Typically, cats are neutered between the ages of six months and one year. The Canadian and Don Sphynx are usually neutered at 7-8 months.

It is best to carry out castration before the moment when the cat begins to “walk”. Too early surgery should also be avoided, this will not harm the health of the animal.

For a more accurate answer to the question about removing the testes, it would be more correct to have the sphinx examined by a veterinarian. Only he will be able to most accurately say whether the testicles have descended into the scrotum. This is a prerequisite for a successful operation. In most cases, the testicles descend by the fourth month, but there are exceptions.

We hope that our article was useful and helped answer your questions!

Preparing a cat for surgery

At the time of castration, the Sphynx cat must be absolutely healthy. This is one of the main conditions for the successful outcome of the operation. Castration should be postponed if the animal has:

• decreased or lack of appetite;
• lethargy, apathy;
• diarrhea, vomiting, flatulence, constipation;
• discharge from the oral or nasal cavity, as well as from the vagina;
• increased body temperature;
• nervous phenomena;
• cough;
• dulling or hair loss.

Regardless of age, to identify chronic pathologies in a Sphynx cat, a veterinarian must conduct a preliminary examination, including an ECG, a few days before castration. He may also additionally prescribe ultrasound, other instrumental or laboratory tests.

If a Sphynx cat has no contraindications to sterilization, a veterinarian will instruct owners on preparing the animal for surgery. It includes:

• treatment for helminths and skin parasites 10 days before sterilization;
• stopping feeding 12 hours and drinking 4 hours before surgery;
• ensuring the cleanliness of the coat and skin at the time of the operation.

Note! It is advisable that the Sphynx cat undergo a full course of vaccinations before sterilization.

Feeding

During the first 2-3 weeks, you need to transfer the cat to a new diet. The transition should not take place in a few days, but over at least a month. Remember that cats have very strong food habits and have difficulty switching to new food. At the same time, you need to remember that you can feed your pet only natural food or industrial feed.

When feeding natural foods, the bulk of the diet should be meat and meat by-products. In this case, you do not need to feed the cat with selected cuts; you can use a variety of offal: lungs, bones, tripe and other offal. One of the main principles is the exclusion of fish and fatty meat, since the first leads to an increase in stone formation in the bladder, and the second leads to obesity.

When feeding with industrial food, you can purchase special products for neutered cats (labeled accordingly). Only here you need to remember that it is better to purchase food at a specialized pet store. Moreover, if you feed your cat such foods, then you should not give him food from the table.

How is sterilization carried out?

Before the operation, the veterinary specialist must familiarize the owners with the existing types and methods of sterilization of Sphynx cats, depending on the age and physiological condition of the animal.

Type of sterilization	Principle of the operation	Advantages	Who is it suitable for?
Ovariectomy	Spaying	Cessation of the synthesis of sex hormones, absence of estrus and the possibility of developing an ovarian tumor	Young nulliparous females
Ovariohysterectomy	Simultaneous removal of the ovaries and uterus	Absence of signs of sexual heat, inability to form tumors and inflammations of the reproductive organs and ovaries, minimizing the risk of developing breast cancer	Adult females who have given birth, cats with uterine pathologies
Hysterectomy	Removal of the uterus only	Inability to reproduce offspring while maintaining hormonal levels	Most often performed during pathological childbirth at any age, when fetal freezing occurs or the uterine cavity is filled with purulent exudate
Tubal occlusion	Tubal ligation	Impossibility of conception and birth of offspring while maintaining the production of hormones and the presence of a period of sexual heat	The method is used extremely rarely, as it is recognized as inhumane

Important! Hysterectomy and tubal occlusion in Sphynx cats at any age are methods that do not reduce the risk of developing inflammatory reactions, cancerous tumors and ovarian cysts. Also, their inappropriateness lies in the preservation of hormonal activity and the presence of a period of sexual heat.

All castration operations are performed under general anesthesia. The Sphynx cat is securely fixed in a dorsal position. Then, using a catheter or palpation, the bladder is released.

Next, access to internal organs is provided in one of the following ways:

• midline laparotomy;
• paramedian incision;
• incision in the groin area;
• rational incisions on the lateral abdominal wall;
• laparoscopy.

The most commonly used method of castration in Sphynx cats at any age is considered to be a median laparotomy, in which an incision in the abdominal wall is made along the linea alba. It is quite safe, provides the most convenient access to the internal genital organs and is suitable for pregnant cats.

Sterilization through a paramedian (lateral) incision is a low-traumatic method, but is not used for pregnant females.

The laparoscopic method is expensive and requires special equipment. The qualifications of the specialist who performs castration are also of great importance. At the same time, the undoubted advantages of this sterilization method are:

• low tissue trauma;
• minimal risk of infection;
• no need to apply a bandage or bandage;
• short rehabilitation period even in adulthood.

The sequence of actions of a veterinarian when performing laparoscopy on a Sphynx cat:

• making a small incision above or below the navel to insert a Veress needle;
• insufflation of the abdominal cavity with carbon dioxide;
• needle removal;
• trocar installation;
• introduction of a rigid endoscope, the image from which is displayed on the monitor screen;
• excision followed by removal of the uterus and ovaries under endoscopic control;
• placing sutures on the incisions.

The cat is given to its owners after it regains consciousness after anesthesia.

Basic rule of knitting

First of all, every owner or breeder should understand that under no circumstances should one get carried away with various drugs that are used to stop or suppress estrus in cats. This is explained by the fact that these drugs have a hormonal structure. Therefore, increased use of these medications can lead, at a minimum, to hormonal disruption in the cat’s body, and at maximum, provoke the development of serious diseases.

Sphynx mom and baby

Owners keeping male Sphynx cats should be careful throughout the mating process to ensure that it does not involve two animals that have not previously mated (so-called “untied” animals). Failure to do so may result in both physical and psychological harm.

Mating takes place in the male's territory

In most cases, mating occurs on the territory of the owner of the male. This additionally imposes additional obligations on the cat’s owner, because it depends on him how comfortable the cat will feel while in the cat’s territory. In addition, the owner of a male or female should take care of a special enclosure, which may be useful for the cat when it settles into the territory of the male.

It must be delivered to the mating site in advance so that the cat has the opportunity to sit out in a familiar place from the first minutes of its appearance in a new place. In addition, if the acquaintance with the “groom” is unsuccessful, the cat will be able to hide there and calm its nerves. Therefore, both the cat’s owner and the cat’s owner should try to control the entire course of the mating and, if the need arises, help the animals.

We suggest you read: Features of vision of guinea pigs: what you need to know

Care after sterilization

At home, a Sphynx cat should be placed on a soft rug in a warm, draft-free room and covered with a warm blanket. Since the animal may experience uncontrollable vomiting or urination, the bedding should be covered with a waterproof diaper.

The cat should be offered food only the day after surgery, but access to clean water should not be limited.

Important! If your cat’s appetite does not recover after 24 hours, you should contact the clinic.

To prevent damage to the integrity of the sutures after castration, the animal must be wearing a protective blanket or postoperative collar.

Over the next 7-10 days, the wounds must be treated with an antiseptic drug.

If your Sphynx cat is constipated and cannot go to the toilet on its own within 3 days after sterilization, you should consult a veterinarian about the use of laxatives.

The process of mating cats

In most cases, mating of Canadian Sphynxes lasts no more than half a minute. She is accompanied by rather loud cries of a cat and a strong purring of a cat. Just at this moment, an egg is released from the cat's ovaries. However, fertilization does not occur immediately, taking about a day. In some cases, one mating is not enough for pregnancy to occur, and therefore both partners must spend a few more days with each other.

If you look closely at the behavior of the Canadian Sphynx, it will be very easy to understand when mating has completed. Indeed, immediately after the end of mating, the female begins to roll on the floor, turning over on her back, and she can do this for a fairly long period of time. As for the cat, after finishing mating he strives for privacy and begins to wash himself and lick his fur.

Pros and cons of the operation

The main advantages of sterilization in Sphynx cats aged 6 to 10 months are:

• absence of unwanted offspring;
• eliminating the risk of inflammatory pathologies and neoplasms of the uterus and ovaries, as well as the development of mastitis;
• reducing the risk of developing malignant tumors of the mammary glands;
• absence of symptoms of sexual heat.

Owners also note that aggressive cats become calmer and more affectionate after sterilization.

If the owners correctly determined at what age the Sphynx cat should be operated on, then the neutered pet becomes less aggressive after the procedure, does not mark its territory, and does not try to run away from the house. The risk of prostatitis is minimized.

The disadvantages of sterilizing cats and Sphynx cats at any age include:

• the need for general anesthesia;
• the emergence of a predisposition to obesity against the background of increased appetite and decreased physical activity even at a young age;
• the possibility of postoperative complications in the event of illiterate actions of the surgeon during castration or the individual characteristics of the pet’s body.

Important! Despite the widespread belief that after castration Sphynx cats are predisposed to developing urolithiasis, this fact remains controversial in the scientific literature, as it is not confirmed by experimental data. However, an unbalanced feeding diet, combined with overfeeding and lack of physical activity at any age, often provokes metabolic disorders and urinary incontinence.

To avoid such complications, it is necessary to select specialized holistic or super premium food for sterilized cats and Sphynx cats. You should also reduce the size of portions and encourage physical activity in animals at any age.

General information about castration of the Sphynx

It should be said right away that sterilization of sphinxes and castration have nothing in common. Mistakenly, many people believe that sterilization is the fate of cats, and castration of cats. However, both male and female cats can undergo these two surgeries.

Castration (oophorectomy for cats) is the removal of a cat's testes or the ovaries (sometimes the uterus) of a cat.

Sterilization is the tightening (tying) of a cat's testes or a cat's fallopian tubes.

From a medical point of view, as well as for the benefit of the psychological and physical health of the Sphynx, the most humane thing is to castrate the pet.

Pros of castration:

• The pet has a stable hormonal background, as a result of which he is much calmer and lives longer;
• There is no sexual desire, so the psychological state of the animal is stable;
• Doesn't mark territory;
• The risk of developing cancer and urolithiasis (urolithiasis) is significantly reduced;
• Character improves;
• There are no sexually transmitted infections.

Disadvantages of sterilization:

• The animal still marks its territory after surgery;
• Experiencing a psychological and physical state of dissatisfaction due to hormonal fluctuations;
• Unpleasant symptoms of sexual activity do not go away (heart-rending screams, marks, aggression);
• The risk of various infectious or cancer diseases is not reduced.

Based on the above, cats feel much worse after sterilization.

Marking territory or bad parenting?

It is very important to distinguish the behavioral characteristics of an animal from its sexual instincts. Bad upbringing and the manifestation of sexual reflexes are two completely different things. If your cat shits in shoes or on clothes or on interior items, this is not marking the territory! This is bad cat training! And castration of the cat will not help at all in this case! Any animal requires a responsible approach on the part of the owner in matters of its maintenance. And you, as the owner, should remember this and take care to study materials on raising your kitten in advance! There is a lot of information on raising a kitten both in bookstores and on the Internet. And it would be very good if you took the trouble to study it and follow the advice of professional felinologists and zoopsychologists (yes, yes, there is such a specialty).

We are often contacted by people who have encountered bad behavior in cats. As a rule, they believe that castrating the cat will solve the problem. But this is far from true! It won't solve it! The cat is a very vindictive animal. Very vindictive. And extremely, sometimes, harmful. And if you did not please your cat in some way, if he began to take revenge on you, shitting everywhere, but not in his litter box, it is very difficult to fight. Sometimes it’s completely unrealistic. Often these cats are asked to be euthanized if the life of the owners becomes unbearable. In the best case, they are taken to a village or dacha for free range. I personally have never encountered examples of successful correction of the behavior of such cats without a change of environment.

author of the article: Dmitry Golovachev, veterinarian