Is it possible to spay a cat during heat? Consequences of the procedure and optimal age

13481Administration

Many cat owners are concerned about the question: “Is it possible to sterilize a cat during heat?”, because the question of sterilization always arises sooner or later.

Sterilization is an operation during which the reproductive organs are removed, after which the animal loses its reproductive functions. This operation is performed all over the world, and if performed correctly, there are no complications.

Reasons to sterilize:

• There are no plans to breed kittens;
• During estrus she is a nuisance;
• Tablets designed to reduce sexual activity in cats negatively affect the health of the animal.

Some owners feel bad about spaying their cat because it will cause her to suffer. In fact, she will be much worse off from prolonged abstinence during heat, especially when taking pills.

© shutterstock

Veterinarians advise sterilizing animals in order not to harm their health due to abstinence, or to avoid producing stray kittens.

Optimal age for intervention

Animal lovers often wonder whether it is possible to sterilize a cat while walking. It's best to do this as early as possible. For example, recommended age:

• 8 months;
• 10 months;
• 1 year;
• 1.5 years.

Babies easily tolerate sterilization, complications are rare

By completing the procedure at eight months, the owner is guaranteed to solve the problem of unwanted pregnancy once and for all. However, animal owners are often afraid that too early intervention can harm the fragile body. These fears are unfounded. If the cat is healthy, no problems should arise. The main thing is to follow all the recommendations of the attending veterinarian.

Important! Difficult childbirth is much more dangerous for a young female.

The younger the animal, the easier it will tolerate the effects of anesthesia.

A sterilized cat asks for a cat: 4 reasons

There are the following causes of estrus in sterilized females:

1. Incomplete removal of epididymal tissue. Occurs when an unremoved piece of ovarian or epididymal tissue remains, which is capable of regenerating and partially replacing the internal secretion organ. Estrus occurs as usual, but pregnancy does not occur and the pet will not be able to bring kittens. Repeated surgery, as a rule, does not solve the problem. Not every veterinarian is able to find the criminal piece of tissue, and repeated anesthesia will harm the cat’s health. However, the chance of achieving a positive result increases if the uterus and surrounding tissue are removed.
2. Development of the reminant ovary. After the removal of the reproductive organs, the pituitary gland or adrenal glands begin to produce sex hormones. Statistics show that one out of seven castrated cats can retain the ability to secrete estrogen.
3. Congenital anomaly. Cells of the ovarian appendages take root in other organs.
4. Development of a hormone-like tumor. The neoplasm has the ability to secrete estrogens. Pathology is observed in cats that were castrated in adulthood.

Be sure to read:
How to care for a cat after sterilization: blanket, diet, treatment and removal of sutures

Is it possible to spay during heat?

Estrus is the period when an animal:

• Begins to actively mark the territory.
• She asks to be let out into the street. At this time, even the most domestic cats have a good time walking.
• Waits for intimacy with the male.
• Feels increasing sexual arousal, prepares to become pregnant and give birth.

Is it possible to spay a dog while in heat?

Owners often try to schedule sterilization at this particular time. However, this theory has many opponents.

Veterinarians' opinions

When asked whether it is possible to sterilize a cat during heat, experts answer differently. Most specialists give a negative answer, because at this moment there is a high risk of hemorrhages during surgery and hormonal imbalances in the postoperative period. However, a qualified surgeon minimizes all risks.

Important! Performing an operation once in a lifetime is much safer than risking the health and life of your pet during childbirth every year.

Can a cat ask for a cat after sterilization?

• Sterilization

The problem of unwanted kittens worries pet owners no less than the behavior of a pet during heat. Captured stray cats are sterilized by ligating the tubes connecting the ovaries to the uterus. After sterilization, the cat will ask the cat: scream, mate, but will stop bringing kittens. The sterilization operation is carried out because it is simple and does not require large material costs.

But for the owners, this is only half the solution to the problem. After all, screaming, marking territory, scratching, rubbing against legs, rolling on the floor do not go away. Therefore, sterilization has not become widespread among domestic cats.

• Castration

Two methods of castration are popular:

• oophorectomy, when the ovaries are removed
• Ovariohysterectomy, in which the ovaries and uterus are removed.

This is the most expensive and most dangerous operation in terms of complications, but also the most reliable way to rid an animal of heat. However, in some cases, the cat continues to walk even after castration.

Possible risks

How to calm a cat - options during heat and when she's mad

If the veterinarian answers positively to the question whether it is possible to sterilize a cat during heat, he is obliged to explain to the owner all the possible risks:

• Significant enlargement of the uterus makes it difficult to remove it correctly from the animal’s body.
• Sterilization and estrus can greatly impact the immune system if the animal is initially weakened or has chronic diseases.

If the procedure is carried out during estrus, it can provoke an exacerbation of gynecological diseases in the cat.

Surgery during estrus is not advisable

Preparing for surgery

Preparing your cat for sterilization involves making sure she has enough water the night before surgery. You cannot feed your pet 10-12 hours before the procedure.

It is necessary to carry out a thorough examination of the cat by a specialist in advance and, if necessary, take tests. Transporting the animal should be done as comfortably as possible so that the cat does not experience severe stress. It is recommended to take a warm blanket or blanket with you to the clinic, as well as a well-absorbent bedding or special diapers.

Before the operation, the specialist re-examines the animal and, if there are no contraindications, proceeds with the manipulation. Identification of symptoms of intoxication - fever, elevated temperature, as well as some diseases is a reason to postpone the procedure.

“Standard” sterilization during estrus

The standard procedure for removing the uterus is carried out in all veterinary clinics. Proper preparation reduces all risks to a minimum. It is recommended to begin preparations at least two weeks before the intended sterilization.

Preparing for surgery

Is it possible to spay a pregnant cat early or late?

To properly prepare your pet for medical intervention, you must:

• take blood tests;
• take a general urine test;
• undergo an examination by a cardiologist and do an ECG (especially if the animal is 7-8 years old);
• do an ultrasound (according to indications).

If any abnormalities are detected, the operation will be delayed.

Attention! Before carrying out the manipulation, it is necessary to carry out unscheduled treatment against worms and vaccination against rabies. Data about these procedures are entered into the animal’s veterinary passport. Without this information, the cat may not be allowed on the operating table.

Technique

You can castrate a female in the first two days after the start of estrus. An incision is made in the animal's abdominal cavity, the uterus is excised and removed, and then stitches are applied. After this manipulation, the cat will need to wear a blanket for a long time to prevent infection of the stitches.

Postoperative period

After sterilization, the owner’s main task is to provide the cat with peace and not let it go outside. Also, the animal should be protected from sudden changes in temperature and fed moderately, because heavy food can cause vomiting.

After surgery, your pet may feel chills or nausea

Attention! After surgery, the animal may behave aggressively or, conversely, lethargically.
This is how the delayed effect of anesthesia manifests itself. There is no need to worry - this phenomenon passes quickly.

Post-operative care

After the operation, the animal, while it is still under anesthesia, must be placed in a warm place. It is advisable to lay it on its side and place a heating pad next to it. At the same time, you cannot put her on an elevated place, because after anesthesia she has poor control of her movements and may fall and get injured.

After the operation, the animal will not eat, and there is no need to force it, but drinking water must be provided.

You need to try feeding the next day; you should give wet food in small portions. There are special foods for the postoperative period that have a positive effect on the functioning of the digestive tract.

© shutterstock

To prevent the animal from licking the seams and damaging them, it is necessary to put a special collar on it, which is removed only during feeding. Immediately after the operation, the pet must be taken home as quickly as possible and wrapped up, because under anesthesia their body temperature drops. also necessary to turn it over every half hour from one side to the other, and close your eyes so that they do not dry out. It is necessary to constantly monitor him and show him the care that he really needs now.

When is the best time to spay a cat?

The ideal time for intervention is when the first heat has passed. This time may vary for different breeds. For some, puberty occurs as early as six months, while for others, not earlier than 10 months.

Before the first heat: laparoscopic and standard sterilization

If you want to perform the operation as quickly as possible, without waiting for the first cycle, it is better to choose the laparoscopic method. A puncture is made in the abdominal cavity, a probe with video sensors is inserted into it, the ovaries are excised and the seams are sealed without suturing them. Within 2 hours after the intervention, the animal can walk; it is not necessary to wear a blanket.

Important! The standard method is more painful, and it is harder for the animal to recover, because this method involves making an incision in the abdominal cavity.

Sterilization after estrus, when to start

If the first heat has just ended, it is better to plan surgery about a week after the final end of this period. During this period, hormonal levels stabilize, so the animal tolerates medical intervention well.

Reasons for sterilization and appropriate age

Full puberty is achieved around the end of the first year of life. It is recommended to sterilize a cat before the first heat, at the age of 7-8 months and up to a year. Sometimes it is practiced to operate after the onset of puberty, but intervention during estrus is prohibited, since the risk of bleeding is high.

It is believed that early castration before the pet is six months old increases the risk of complications and also reduces the rate of growth and development of the animal. In general, the safe age for manipulation is from 7 months to 10 years. In adulthood, there is a high risk of postoperative complications.

The operation is chosen taking into account the cat's sexual cycle. Sterilization is carried out before estrus, since during the active phase and preparation for fertilization it can lead to hormonal disorders and other consequences.

There are several reasons to sterilize your cat, including:

• lack of desire to breed kittens;
• a pronounced change in the cat’s behavior during the period of estrus, when preparation for fertilization occurs;
• preventing an increase in the population of stray animals;
• the presence of contraindications to childbirth in a cat;
• priority over taking tablets to reduce sexual activity, since taking them increases the risk of complications and various diseases;
• prevention of pathologies that can develop as a result of prolonged abstinence from sexual intercourse.

Benefits of sterilization

Removing a cat's uterus surgically has many benefits, such as:

• protection from unwanted offspring;
• increasing the life expectancy of the animal;
• improving the cat's character;
• normalization of hormonal levels.

But most importantly, the cat will begin to behave calmer and will not ask to go for a walk. This is especially important for owners who keep pets in large cities, where pets cannot be left unattended for a long time.

In order for the animal to safely undergo castration, the cat must be properly prepared for medical intervention. This will help avoid serious postoperative complications and psychological stress. If everything went well, the cat needs a good gentle regimen for at least a month. Then she will quickly regain her physical strength and finally recover.

How is sterilization different from castration?

During surgical sterilization, obstruction of the tubes leading from the ovaries to the uterus is created. The sperm will not meet the egg and fertilization will not occur. Of course, in this case there will be no more kittens and there is no need to worry about accidental matings. But sexual attraction remains.

If there is no fertilization in the cat, estrus will begin again after 2 weeks or an imaginary pregnancy will develop, which can easily be confused with the real one. An attempt to deceive nature most often ends in hormonal imbalances, giving rise to a tumor process.

Castration is the removal of the ovaries and appendages. It is this solution that allows you to save the cat and those around you from the torment that accompanies estrus. If the operation is carried out carelessly and a piece of reproductive tissue remains, there will be no discharge from the loop, but the animal will not get rid of periodic meowing.

Therefore, the term “sterilized” should mean a castrated cat. Often the uterus is also removed along with the ovaries. Deprivation of genital organs alters the female's metabolism and behavior. Therefore, you will have to forget about natural food and cheap economy class food.

For sterilized cats, special foods are produced that prevent obesity and related diseases.

Be sure to read:
At what months can a cat be neutered: optimal age, surgery for adults and older animals

What is estrus in a cat?

Estrus, estrus, heat are the names of the state when the female’s body is ready for mating, bearing, and giving birth to offspring. The body undergoes natural endocrine changes caused by the maturation of follicles in the ovaries. The external manifestations, duration, and frequency of this condition are difficult to predict; they depend on various factors. But understanding your pet’s condition will bring undoubted benefits.

Signs and symptoms

Although the symptoms of this process manifest themselves differently in each Murka, you must definitely learn to identify them. The onset is determined by the following characteristic features:

• enlargement of the genitals;
• the appearance of special bloodless discharge;
• increased frequency of urination;
• an increase in the number of licks;
• decreased appetite;
• more affectionate or aggressive behavior;
• frequent attempts to go for a walk;
• characteristic unpleasant sounds.

Whether all symptoms appear simultaneously or only some depends on the individual characteristics of the animal. The pet can roll on the floor, wriggle, throw its tail to the side, howl deep in its throat, make screams, i.e. do everything possible to attract a male and begin reproducing offspring.

For her, this is completely natural behavior, which seems strange and illogical to the owner. There are other manifestations: screaming, constantly meowing, marking territory, walking past the toilet, ignoring the litter tray, eating poorly, not eating anything, sleeping a lot, losing weight, peeing on the bed.

How does the furry beauty feel?

Changes in the endocrine background cause changes in emotions. The condition of the reproductive organs changes. The brain receives signals that significantly change the pet’s behavior. The situation becomes unusual and stressful. The cat begins to worry and feels the need for affection. An increase in stress levels provokes instinctively aggressive behavior, furious meowing. When Murka's puberty proceeds normally, the baby is not in pain, but her anxiety increases noticeably, and she may lose weight due to nervousness.

How often does estrus occur?

Breeders note that the frequency of cycles depends on the breed, more often in temperamental ones, less often in calm ones. The first include the Siamese and Persians, the second - the British and Scots. There are other factors: time of year, childbirth, age, hormonal changes, health status. It is necessary to take into account the individual characteristics of each individual. In cats of the same breed and age, periods of arousal differ markedly.

How long does it last

The duration of estrus is individual for each individual. Usually it lasts only a few days, sometimes it lasts two weeks, twenty days. Felinologists recommend carefully monitoring the process, recording the duration of each rut, and marking the dates on the calendar. Sudden changes in timing indicate trouble. Prolonged sexual activity is a characteristic symptom of problems with the ovaries: cysts, tumors, inflammation. A reduction in the timing of the rut occurs with hormonal problems, expressed in thyroid pathologies, abnormal development of the ovaries.

Seasonality of the reproductive cycle

The time of year affects the frequency of heat in cats. In spring, summer, and autumn, the desire to mate increases, in winter it decreases. It is necessary to take into account the conditions of detention; permanent residence in a warm house blurs the lines between seasons; the female is ready to mate regardless of the season. This is an individual moment. One Murka expresses a desire to mate at the very beginning of spring, the other - closer to the beginning of summer. With age, the seasonality of the reproductive cycle changes. If Murka is healthy, there is no need to worry.

Frequency of estrus

How many times and exactly when the process starts depends on:

• childbirth and feeding, after which half a year or less may pass until the next active phase;
• death of kittens or early weaning after birth, which reduces the break until the next active phase;
• age, the desire to mate becomes less as the female ages.

One heat cycle every three months, i.e. four per year is considered the average norm. There are cats that are ready to mate every month or more often; for some, one date with a male every six months is enough.

If there has been mating, the desired pregnancy has occurred, estrus will stop for the duration of gestation, i.e. for two months or a little more. The next active phase occurs 3-5 months after birth or earlier if the offspring was stillborn.

Poorly performed sterilization: consequences

One of the most obvious explanations for the fact that a sterilized cat began to walk again is that the animal was not properly sterilized. The pet is walking with this turn of events, since veterinarians might not have removed a piece of the ovary or even the whole ovary at all during sterilization. Then, in the first month after sterilization, she resumes hunting again and then walks the same way as before the operation. This case is quite rare and, if detected, requires immediate extensive abdominal surgery. Laparoscopy is not used in this case, since its results are ineffective for a pet that has already been sterilized once.

Postoperative consequences

The main complication for cats that walk is pain. Because the appendages and uterus enlarge after the first heat, the veterinarian makes a larger incision than usual, so post-operative pain increases. It is possible that lumps may appear near the wound, which develop due to the accumulation of exudate. Sometimes seromas are noticeable, which are bulges observed due to rupture of the subcutaneous tissue.

Sometimes in animals after the procedure the formed suture becomes inflamed.

Some pets have been found to have abscesses, which are caused by infection during surgery. The animal may also experience suture rupture and infection. In such a situation, inflammatory processes and the release of purulent exudate are observed. When the veterinarian improperly ligates large vessels, serious bleeding can occur, which can sometimes even lead to death if help is not provided to the cat in a timely manner.

Septic peritonitis can also occur, but it is diagnosed quite rarely. It develops due to the entry of pathogenic microorganisms into the operated area. In addition, the cause of this disease can be a severe decrease in immunity. Damage to the urethra is often observed due to improper surgical intervention. Since the ureters are located near the genitals, the risk of injury is quite high. Lethal outcome, which can occur due to incorrectly chosen anesthesia, should not be excluded.

What other cases are there?

In veterinary practice, there are a number of specific cases when the sex hormonal background of a sterilized individual was determined by diseases occurring in the thyroid gland. Aligning and adjusting the balance of hormones in this situation is not an easy task, which may include a number of stages:

• Exclusion of hormone-producing tumors;
• Chemical suppression of sex hormones.

Most often, the latter is performed by implanting a special capsule under the skin.

Rare causes of postoperative estrus:

• Ectopic ovarian tissue syndrome is a rare congenital pathology. In the early stages of fetal formation, cells of various tissues are placed in their proper places. But sometimes a malfunction occurs, and ovarian tissue cells settle in the wrong place. Before surgery, against the general hormonal background, such an “extra” piece is invisible, but after castration, its hormonal activity attracts attention. This fabric is very difficult to detect.
• Hormone-producing tumor - hormones are produced by a neoplasm (adrenal glands, mammary glands, pituitary gland, cyst on the uterus, etc.)
• The function of the gonads is performed by the adrenal glands .
• Estrus is provoked by hormones from the pituitary gland .