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Cats/Spaying my cat

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Expert: - 8/19/2011


Question
Hi Karen!

I would appreciate your advice on spaying my cat.
My family raised a lot of cats before, mostly outdoor ones, and we made a mistake of not neutering/spaying them, until some of them dissapeared because of roaming, territorial fighting, traffic, or unfriendly neighbors. I had to give away many kittens to other people. In my country people rarely sterelize cats and dogs, and I think it's wrong.

I recently found an abandoned 3 month old healthy female kitten and I don't want to repeat the old mistake. I'm planning to spay her before she becomes ready for mating, for her healthy and long life.

I'm scared in advance of the pain and fear she might feel and the operation. How the recovery looks like? When is the right time to do that? Are there analgesics and how to give them to her? Are they risks of infections of the wound? How long does it take to heal? Are there any other things I should pay attention to?

Thank you very much!
Lily

Answer
Hi Lily,

I commend you on doing the right thing and getting your cat spayed. She can be done as young as 4 months old. There aren't too many analgesics for cats. There is one called Meloxicam that can be used on cats. You can ask your vet about it.

Recovery from the operation is in about five to seven days. You would need to keep her in a large cage or small room during her recovery. Make sure it is big enough to have a litter box, food dish and water dish in it. And make sure she has enough space to turn around in, but not enough so that she can jump around. This is to keep her quiet. Any wound stands the risk of infection. But if she is kept quiet and in a clean area she should be okay.

Cats heal fast. In about week she should be all okay to go about her normal activities. Good luck and take care.

Ciao, Karen

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Karen Craft

Expertise

I can give advice on cat behavior. I can help about newborn kitten care. I can help with senior cat care. I can answer questions about cat proofing a home or making it cat friendly. I can answer diet questions. I can answer home treatments questions for cats. At present I have 13 cats in home and two ferals outside. And there's always room for one more!

Experience

I have over 40 year's experience with cats. Father was a veterinarian and I assisted him in his work. I have 15 cats at present. Most are shelter or feral rescues. I have one purebred cat. I have done cat rescues and foster care. Some thoughts to carry with you. A Cat's 10 Commandments My life is likely to last 15-20 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful. Give me time to understand what you want of me. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainments. But I have only you. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it. Before you swat me, before you strike me, remember that I have teeth that could draw blood. And claws to strike back. And yet I choose not to attack you. If I don't act right then have me checked to see what is wrong. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too will grow old. On the difficult journey, on the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there. Because I love you so. Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful thing without God's critters. Pass this on.

Education/Credentials
I have an A.A.S.

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