Male and female cats are normally neutered at six months of age - unless, of course, they are to be used for breeding.

Most cats are back to their normal routine within 24 hours of the operation.

Male cats (toms)

Neutered male cats are less likely to roam and spray-mark their territory.

The operation, called castration, involves a general anaesthetic to remove both testicles via two small skin wounds. The wounds are normally left unsutured, to heal naturally. Pain relief is provided pre and post-operatively.

Female cats (queens)

The main reasons for neutering female cats are to stop unwanted pregnancies and stop any disease problems with the womb in later life.

The operation, called spaying, involves a general anaesthetic during which the womb and both ovaries are removed through a small incision. The wound is normally on the left flank but in certain breeds, we sometimes use a midline incision. At this clinic, we use sutures that are placed within the skin so that no sutures have to be removed later. We find that suturing this way, although more time-consuming, means that the cat is much more comfortable and less inclined to lick at their wound post-operatively. Pain relief is provided pre- and post-operatively.