Cats reach sexual maturity quickly, so it is advised to neuter both male and female cats at around four months of age. For females, neutering involves spaying, which is the removal of the ovaries and uterus. Male cats undergo castration, where both testicles are removed.
By neutering your cat early, you can help prevent unwanted litters and improve their overall health and behaviour. We follow the guidelines set by the RSPCA and Cats Protection, recommending neutering as soon as your cat is mature enough.
Cat Neutering Benefits
There are many benefits of neutering for both male and female cats, including:
- Prevents fighting among cats
- Lowers the risk of testicular cancer in male cats
- Reduces roaming behaviours in search of a mate
- Eliminates unwanted pregnancies
- Decreases spraying behaviours
Should I let my cat have one litter before spaying her?
We frequently get asked if it’s beneficial to allow your cat to have a litter before spaying. The answer is no—there are no health benefits to letting your cat have a litter. The same advice applies to dogs and rabbits: spaying early helps avoid health risks and reduces the stray population.
General Anaesthetic for Cat Neutering
Your cat will need to undergo general anaesthesia for the neutering procedure. At Eastcott Vets, we take every precaution to ensure your cat's safety during surgery. A Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN) will stay with your cat during the procedure and recovery process.
While anaesthesia carries some inherent risks, they are minimal for young, healthy cats. However, risks increase with age, breed, or underlying health conditions. To ensure the best possible outcome, we offer pre-anaesthetic blood tests to detect any health issues before surgery. Your cat will also receive premedication to help them relax and two forms of pain relief.
Your Cat Will Stay with Us for the Day
When you bring your cat in for neutering, we will explain the procedure and have you sign a consent form. Your cat will be admitted as a ‘day patient’ and discharged once we’re sure they’ve recovered adequately.
Our team will provide you with instructions for aftercare, including how to manage their pain relief and any further check-ups that may be needed. If you have any questions after your cat has gone home, feel free to call us, and we’ll be happy to assist.
Please bring your cat in a secure carrier with a familiar-smelling blanket to make them feel at ease during the visit. Cats can be very sensitive to new environments, so we want to make their visit as comfortable as possible.
Please bring your cat in a secure cat basket with a blanket that smells of home. Cats are territorial creatures who prefer to stay in areas familiar to them; click here to read how you can prepare for travelling to us with your cat.
Pet Health for Life plan Offer
Eastcott Vets Pet Health for Life plan members can claim a 10% discount off any neutering procedure. Our health club offers preventative health, and you could be saving each year on what you spend on your pet treatment wise.
Further reading:
Neutering your dog | Neutering your rabbit
Cat Neutering FAQs
What is cat neutering?
Cat neutering is a short surgical procedure where a male cat has both testicles removed (castration), or a female cat has both the ovaries and uterus removed (spaying). This prevents reproduction and can help improve your cat's health and behaviour.
What age can my kitten be neutered?
We recommend neutering kittens from around four months of age. This helps prevent early pregnancy and health risks. If you adopt or rescue an older cat, neutering can still be performed at any age, provided they are healthy enough for the procedure.
What is the recovery time after cat neutering?
After neutering, your male cat will need a few days of rest at home to recover. Generally, they can return to their normal activity within 5 to 7 days. Female cats, on the other hand, may need around two weeks of rest. We’ll guide you on the best ways to support their recovery.
What are the benefits of neutering my cat?
Neutering your cat can offer several advantages:
- Preventing unwanted pregnancies and reducing the stray cat population
- Lowering the risk of testicular cancer in male cats
- Reducing roaming behaviours, which can decrease the risk of injury or disease
- Minimising spraying and territorial marking behaviours
- Avoiding uterine infections and phantom pregnancies in female cats
Should I let my cat have one litter before spaying her?
This is a common concern, but there are no health benefits to allowing your cat to have a litter before spaying. In fact, neutering your cat early can prevent health risks and reduce the number of unwanted kittens.
What does my cat need for the neutering procedure?
Before the procedure, your cat will need a general anaesthetic. We ensure the highest safety standards during the surgery, and a Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN) will monitor your cat closely throughout. Your cat will also be given pain relief, and we may recommend a pre-anaesthetic blood test to check for any underlying health conditions.
