What To Expect From The Neutering Process For Cats

1 August 2017
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Having a cat neutered is commonplace, but many pet owners don't know what neutering really entails. It may help you to feel more comfortable with what your cat is going to undergo if you know exactly how the process works. This guide will explain what happens when a cat is neutered, step-by-step, and what your veterinarian will do to ensure that your cat is safe and pain-free.

Sedation and Pain Relief

Veterinarians work to keep cats from experiencing discomfort while they're in surgery and afterward, so you don't need to worry about your cat being conscious during the procedure. After your cat has been received by the veterinarian, they will undergo a brief process of being weighed in order to determine how much medication they should receive. Then, the veterinarian or an assistant will give your cat a dose of medication that will lull them into sleep.

After your cat is comfortably resting, they will be shaved in order to more easily access the surgical area. Then, your cat will be given an injected pain reliever to keep inflammation and discomfort to a minimum both during and following the procedure.

Intubation

After your cat is unconscious, your veterinarian will intubate your kitty to ensure that they continue to breathe safely during the procedure. Intubation means placing a tube in the cat's mouth and down its windpipe to provide oxygen directly to the lungs. This makes the procedure much safer for your cat. In some instances, anesthesia can interfere with the autonomous process of breathing. In other words, cats who are put under may stop automatically inhaling and exhaling while unconscious. Intubation fixes this problem by providing a constant stream of oxygen to the lungs even without your cat having to do any work. Rest assured that once your kitty regains consciousness, they will return to breathing normally.

Surgical Process

Once your cat is sedated and intubated, it's time for the actual surgical procedure to begin. Your veterinarian will make a small incision in your cat's scrotum. Then, they will surgical excise the testicles. The scrotum will then be closed back up and stitched together with a dissolvable material. This means that you won't have to bring your cat back in to have its stitches removed. They will dissolve and fall out on their own when the wound has healed.

As your cat begins to regain consciousness, its intubation tube will be removed. The kitty will be allowed some time to recover in the veterinarian's office to monitor its condition and ensure that it's recovering properly. After your kitty is fully conscious, it'll be ready to go home with you.

Neutering is a relatively simple surgical procedure that doesn't take a very long time to complete. However, neutering can make your cat's life significantly better by preventing unwanted aggression, territorial behavior, and eliminates the risk of testicular cancer. If you have further concerns regarding the safety and well-being of your cat, talk to your veterinarian to learn more about the procedure, other veterinary surgical services, and what you can expect from the recovery process.