Castration is an operation to remove the gonads from an animal to prevent reproductive function and associated behaviors. For cats, the testes are removed so that they do not begin to mark the territory and call the cat at night, which is extremely undesirable in a city apartment.
The owners need to remember that the removal of the gonads also implies the cessation of the production of male hormones in the animal, which often leads to a slowdown in the metabolic process, and, consequently, the appearance of excess weight, leading to other accompanying complications. Therefore, it is necessary to monitor the pet's diet after this procedure and provide him with sufficient physical activity.
There is a very widespread opinion about the connection between castration and the subsequent development of urolithiasis in a cat, but there is no reliable data confirming the existence of such a relationship.
However, you should still bring your cat to the veterinarian for preventive examinations at least once a year in order to prevent the possible development of many diseases.
Indications for castration of a cat
If the animal is kept in a city apartment, and there is no way to provide it with the possibility of regular mating with a cat, it is better for the owners to take care of their comfort in advance in order to avoid possible complications. A non-neutered cat will behave in a natural way, namely: mark the territory, arrange "night concerts", fight with other cats.
In addition, sometimes castration is the only way to cope with the aggression of a pet, which sometimes overflows due to unfulfilled sexual desire.
Recommended age for surgery
It is very important to choose the right age for castration, as too early an operation can lead to underdevelopment of the urethra, which develops under the influence of male sex hormones. This, in turn, will increase the likelihood of diseases of the urinary system associated with a blockage of the urethra.
Age 7 - 9 months is considered optimal for castration. Against later surgery, it is said that in about 5% of cases it may not lead to the desired results, since in adult cats, sex hormones can be produced not only by the testes, but also by the pituitary gland.
And also the fact that old cats may have complications associated with recovering from general anesthesia, due to the serious load of narcotic drugs on the liver and kidneys.
Castration
The opinion of all veterinarians boils down to the fact that sterilization is the most elementary operation, in which there are practically no complications. Castration is performed under general anesthesia and lasts a total of no more than five minutes.
Special care after it is not needed, as well as the removal of postoperative stitches.
