The responsibility for neutering a cat usually lies with the owner. For most people, neutering is an important step towards controlling the number of unwanted, stray, and feral cats in their area. Neutering also has health benefits for cats and kittens such as decreased testosterone-driven behaviour problems like spraying. The surgical procedure removes the cat's testicles (i.e., male reproductive organs). This article will help you to understand how to prepare your cat for neuter surgery and provide you with some handy tips.
1. Have your pet examined before the surgery
Your veterinarian will need to examine your pet and make sure that he is in good health before the procedure. In most cases, this means that your cat will be given a routine physical examination and vaccinations, and any necessary tests will be performed. It is also important to discuss with your veterinarian what other treatments or procedures may need to be performed prior to the neutering procedure.
2. Make your pet familiar with how they will be handled by the veterinarian
The day before the surgery, take your cat to the veterinary clinic so that he can become familiar and comfortable with the location. The cat should get used to entering and exiting his carrier as well as understanding that his carrier will be taken away from him when he is at the clinic. This is essential in reducing his stress level. If possible, bring friends or family members along with you so that everyone can help keep your cat calm and relaxed.
3. Prepare your cat for surgery in advance
Most surgical procedures including neutering require that the pet be given anesthesia. In the case of neutering, this is usually a combination of intravenous and inhaled anesthetics. When your cat is given anesthesia, he will be unconscious during the procedure and will not feel any pain. It is important to know that blood pressure can drop under anesthesia, so cats may experience temporary fainting spells after they are anesthetized.
This does not make it necessary to perform any special procedures before the surgery besides ensuring that your pet can stand and walk normally upon awakening from anesthesia; however, some veterinarians do recommend special medication to help stabilize blood pressure before surgery.
4. Control your cat's stress level
It is important to keep your cat as calm as possible before and after the neutering surgery. Try to make sure that he gets plenty of attention before the surgery. Likewise, give your cat a warm environment in which to sleep. After the surgery, try to provide a quiet environment where your pet can rest comfortably.
Reach out to a veterinary surgeon for more information.