Anaesthetic drugs used in the procedure vary, and it is worthwhile to discuss with your vet which anaesthetic will be used as there are differing safety margins and recovery periods between products. Most will involve an injection into a front leg where the hair will be clipped, followed by a gas delivered to your pet via a tube placed in the windpipe. This can sometimes cause a cough for a few days after the operation. Ask your vet about pain killers given during the operation.

Queens

Pros and Cons There are very few significant problems associated with the procedure. Behavioral changes tend to be minimal and weight gain is not anticipated. The nuisance of seasons and unwanted callers is effectively prevented and therefore there is an associated reduction in contagious diseases and fighting injuries.

The Procedure Ovariohysterectomy (removal of the ovaries and uterus) in the UK is normally performed through a left side flank incision, although many other countries will use a cut along the middle of a cats tummy. The operation typically takes fifteen minutes to perform and recovery is usually rapid. Most cats appear normal the same evening although physical healing takes much longer. It is typical that two or three sutures would remain in the skin to be removed seven to ten days after the operation.

Timing of the operation: Most vets will spay cats from six months of age or a little less. It is best to avoid the period when she is in season.

Cost varies tremendously but typically would be in the range of ?30 - ?75.

Tom Cats

Advantages of neutering are many:

Less aggression towards other tom cats

Reduction of 'Tom Cat Odour'

Much reduced fighting

Less road traffic accidents.

Contagious diseases are less likely

The problem of unwanted litters is reduced.

Positive behavioral changes - a reduction of aggression

The Procedure Castration involves removing both testicles through two small incisions in the scrotum, which heal in a few days without the need for sutures. Most Tom cats appear normal the same evening. Oriental cats have a slightly higher risk of complications, mainly haemorrhage . It can take several days or weeks before the male smell disappears and six weeks for the Tom to become infertile.

Where only one or no testicles at-all are present in the scrotum, castration is strongly recommended to prevent problems with a "retained" testicle within the abdomen.

Timing of the operation: Most vets will castrate cats from six months of age or a little less.

Cost varies tremendously but typically would be in the range of ?20 - ?50.