The choice to spay or neuter your pet is among the most important decisions you will make for your cat. Your living situation and the reasons for bringing a cat into your home will likely influence your decision to spay or neuter. Besides your situation, spaying or neutering offers multiple benefits and few risks for the cat. If you are considering fixing your pet, consider us at St. Francis Hospital for Animals, your veterinarian in Oakdale, NY.

Why Spay and Neuter?

Spaying (females) or neutering (males) benefits individual cats and contributes to pregnancy prevention, reducing the population of unwanted cats and the number of euthanized. Besides population control, spaying and neutering reduces the incidence of cancer and other issues. Female cats that are fixed live nearly 40% longer, while neutered cats live more than 60% longer. The reduction in cancers among fixed cats also leads to lower vet bills.

Steps in the Spaying / Neutering Process

Once you decide to spay or neuter your cat, we do our best to ensure you know what to expect before, during, and after the four-step process: consultation, pre-op, operation, and post-op.

Consultation. There are several procedures for spaying or neutering your cat. Your veterinarian will discuss your goals for your pet and recommend a method based on those goals, your pet's age, and other circumstances. Spaying and neutering generally start at eight weeks of age.

Pre-op. This step involves providing instructions regarding additional appointments, tests, and dietary or medication changes before the surgery. We will also confirm your arrival time and the check-in process at the animal hospital.

Operation. Our pet hospital team carefully manages your cat's anesthesia and pain management during and after surgery. We also set clear expectations about the time needed for surgery and recovery so you can plan accordingly.

Post-op: Your cat will likely wear bandages and a cone for a few days. Still, your cat should quickly recover and return to normal activities. Providing your cat with the appropriate antibiotics and pain medication is critical for ensuring its recovery.

Get Vet Care, Animal Hospital Services, Pet Pregnancy Prevention, Spaying, Neutering, and Help Fixing Your Pet from a Veterinarian Near You at Our Pet Hospital

Choosing the right veterinarian for your cat can be essential for their long-term health. If you are looking for a veterinarian in Oakdale, NY, contact us at St. Francis Hospital for Animals. Call us today at (631) 567-1359 for vet care, animal hospital services, pet pregnancy prevention, spaying, neutering, and help fixing your pet from a veterinarian near you at our pet hospital.