Cat Spay | Veterinarian Rochester MN

We recommend this procedure for the following reasons:

1. According to the ASPCA, 5 to 7 million unwanted companion animals are brought to shelters each year. Approximately 3 to 4 million of them end up euthanized as a result. Spaying and neutering helps prevent overpopulation.
2. Spaying eliminates the annoying behavioral changes associated with the “heat” cycle such as loud, continuous vocalization and the desire to go outside to seek a mate. Less outdoors roaming reduces her exposure to cars, or contact with cats who may carry the deadly feline leukemia or feline immunodeficiency viruses.
3. Spaying reduces the chances of developing mammary cancer if performed at an early age.

Before surgery our hospital recommends certain blood tests to assess anesthetic risk. This optional blood screen does add an additional cost to the spay surgery.

An ovariohysterectomy (spay) involves sterile surgical removal of the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus under general anesthesia. We recommend an overnight stay at our hospital. Post surgical recovery generally runs seven to ten days at home.

A full ovariohysterectomy is done since the ovaries produce the female hormone estrogen, which causes the sexual characteristics of continuous vocalization, mate-seeking, and can stimulate growth of mammary cancer.

Spaying does lower an animal’s metabolic rate. The diet of every cat should be carefully regulated to prevent excess weight gain after a spay operation.

The surgical procedure will not change your pet's intelligence or general disposition. It is not necessary for a female cat to come into heat or to raise a litter of kittens to become a good pet. Most spayed pets tend to be more gentle and affectionate.

If you are interested in having your pet spayed, please feel free to call upon us to set up an appointment or to ask any questions of our staff.