Everyone who lives at home with a cat, faced this unpleasant problem - one day from a sweet fluffy pet home, it turns into an unbearable screaming day and night a monster. Many owners of cats found a way out in the form of sterilization. During this operation, the cat is removed from the ovaries, which are responsible for sex hormones and reproductive function. Because of this, the cat can not have offspring, and also the animal has lost attraction to the "opposite sex", and it no longer torments the owners with cries, and most importantly, does not suffer itself. This procedure can be done in any veterinary clinic. However, before taking this radical step, it is necessary to voice all the pros and cons.
Sterilization of cats: for and against
The period of excitation in cats lasts from one to two days to two weeks, and during this time the cat "pleases" the owners with their behavior. If at this time the cat is not tied, then after a while the animal will calm down. To wait for these periods, and they happen several times a year, is not the best option for a cat - it is a huge stress for the body. The use in these periods of "magic" pills and drops or hormonal injections - an additional blow to the health of the cat. All together can lead to dangerous diseases.
Thus, sterilization is not only harmless, but also useful for the health of a cat.
If you decide to sterilize your pet, you should figure out how to prepare the animal for it. First of all, it is necessary to find out at what age the sterilization of cats will be more successful. The optimal age is 6-8 months, when all the "delights" of the period of sexual arousal have not been experienced yet, and the body is young and strong. Many people think that it is necessary to let the cat give birth to kittens at least once, so that she feels "the happiness of motherhood", but this should not be done. Early sterilization does not just save the cat from hormonal anguish, but even prolongs its life. If the cat is already adult, then it is better to sterilize it in quiet periods, when she is not excited.
Three to four weeks before surgery, the cat needs to be vaccinated against infectious diseases. Immediately before the operation, the animal can not be fed for 12 hours.
Types of sterilization of cats
There are several types of sterilization:
- ovariohysterectomy, (removal of the uterus and ovaries);
- ovariectomy (removal of ovaries only);
- ligation of oviducts (more often it is called "piping").
The third method of sterilization deprives the animal of only the ability to have offspring, but the excitement and along with it the inadequate behavior will remain.
The operation itself is done under general anesthesia, by cutting in the lower abdomen.
Care of a cat after sterilization
The rules for caring for a cat after sterilization are simple, but necessary for execution. After the operation, the cat should be placed on a waterproof litter, at home - on a hard surface in a ventilated room and allow to finally withdraw from anesthesia. It can take about 2-3 hours. After the cat fully regains consciousness, she can try to run, climb, jump to high places, and do not let her do it. On this day, the cat can not be fed, but the water must be in the bowl. Many owners think about what to feed the cat after sterilization. This should be special, better dietary foods that help restore the digestive system and tone the body.
Daily it is necessary to treat seams with an antiseptic. After surgery, the cat is in a bandage (bandage) and can feel uncomfortable - back off, worry, try to remove the bandage. Do not let her do this until the seams are healed. Also, you must not allow a cat to bite or gnaw out stitches.
The sutures are removed by the doctor 8-10 days after the operation, and the cat gradually returns to its normal rhythm of life. As a rule, the restoration of a cat after sterilization occurs quickly if the cat is properly cared for. However, complications are possible. This may be an intolerance to anesthesia, and to prevent this, the doctor must make the necessary analyzes. There is also inflammation of the operated organs. It's worth to competently and responsibly approach the choice of a clinic and a doctor who will operate your cat. Professionals observe all necessary precautions, complications do not arise afterwards. Also, suppuration or divergence of the joints can occur. Here much depends on you - if you will properly care for the cat after the operation and handle the seams, everything will safely heal.
Alternatives to sterilization of cats
Many owners do not want to "maim" their cat and are looking for other ways. The simplest and most accessible methods are pills and drops, which for a time repel the desire of the cat, lowering the hormonal background. As a rule, medicines that are sold in pharmacies do not give guarantees and good results.
There are opinions that the character and behavior of the cat after sterilization are changing. As a rule, a change in the hormonal background, if it entails a change in behavior, is insignificant. The cat can become calmer, on the mental faculties sterilization is not reflected. The main thing is for your pet to feel your support and care during this period, and then it will please you for many more years.