A quick guide to cat sterilization: preoperative preparation, postoperative care, and Hong Kong costs! A must-read for novice cat lovers! A complete guide to cat sterilization (preparation, process, recovery, Q&A)

1. Preparation before sterilization

Appropriate age

It is best to consult a veterinarian before sterilization. Generally speaking, cats can be considered for sterilization when they are about 5-6 months old.

Spaying a female cat before her first estrus can effectively reduce the risk of breast cancer and other diseases; male cats can be sterilized when they are about 7-10 months old and close to their first estrus.

Health Check

Before surgery, be sure to take your cat for a comprehensive health check, including a physical examination, blood test, and X-rays, to ensure that there are no underlying diseases that may affect anesthesia and surgery. Only after the examination results are normal will the veterinarian arrange a time for surgery with the owner.

Vaccines and deworming

Ensure that the cat has completed basic vaccinations (such as rabies, three-in-one vaccine) and deworming to reduce the risk of infection during or after surgery. Cats with active parasitic infections should be treated and controlled first.

Dietary arrangements

Cats must not eat or drink before surgery to prevent vomiting during anesthesia and cause aspiration pneumonia. It is generally recommended to stop feeding 12 hours before surgery and stop drinking water 4 hours before surgery. Please adjust the fasting time according to the veterinarian's instructions, especially for kittens or cats with special diseases.

Communicating with your veterinarian

Inform the doctor of your cat's health, medical history, and medications currently being taken so that they can be evaluated before surgery. You can also ask the veterinarian about the surgical process, anesthesia, and possible risks to dispel any doubts.

2. Procedures and precautions on the day of surgery

What to bring

When you bring your cat to the clinic on the day, please use a sturdy cat carrier or travel bag and place a familiar towel or toy to reduce anxiety. Make sure to report on time and give your cat only a small amount of water and no food.

Fasting and no water

In addition to fasting the night before, you will usually also need to fast for several hours on the day of surgery. If you are unsure of the details, you can confirm with the clinic in advance.

Anesthesia and surgical procedures

Cat surgery requires general anesthesia, but under the supervision of a professional team, the risk of surgery is extremely low. The veterinarian will first administer pre-anesthetic medication, intubate to give oxygen and anesthetic gas, and use antibiotics or painkillers if necessary.

Based on the principle of "balanced anesthesia", experts point out that the probability of anesthesia complications in healthy cats is less than 1%. As long as the preoperative evaluation and preparation are sufficient, the process is very safe.

Be aware of the risks

Although anesthesia is safe, all surgeries have potential risks, especially for elderly or weak cats. Nausea, anorexia, or slight bleeding may occur after surgery. Please closely observe the cat's condition in the early postoperative period. If there are abnormal symptoms (persistent vomiting, deep sleep, severe pain, etc.), contact the veterinarian immediately.

Accompany and reserve time

It is recommended that the owner set aside more time on the day of surgery to accompany the cat throughout the surgery or to respond to emergencies at any time. It usually takes several hours for the cat to wake up completely after the surgery, and the clinic will observe the cat in the recovery area. After confirming that the cat is awake and the body temperature is stable, the veterinarian will put on a neck brace (Elizabethan collar) for the cat to prepare for discharge.

3. Postoperative Care and Observation

Wound Care

After the cat was discharged from the hospital,

Wearing a neck guard or postoperative clothing is the first priority to prevent them from licking and biting the wound and causing infection.

Restricted Activities

The cat should be kept quiet for about a week after surgery, and should avoid jumping and vigorous play. Vigorous exercise (such as running or fighting with other pets) may tear the wound if there is a possibility of infection. In addition, it is not advisable to bathe the cat or let it get wet within two weeks after surgery, otherwise the wound may get damp.

Diet and rest

Usually cats will be a little sleepy on the day of discharge. Just rest in a warm and quiet environment. After a few hours, try to give it a small amount of easily digestible food to observe whether it feels nauseous or refuses to eat. Generally, it can resume normal diet on the second day, but the amount of food should still be controlled to avoid increased appetite after surgery and cause sudden weight gain. Provide plenty of clean water to avoid dehydration.

Medication and follow-up

Follow your veterinarian's instructions for antibiotics, painkillers, or other medications. Most cats will need to return for a checkup about a week after surgery to have their veterinarian review their recovery. Sometimes, stitches may be removed or dressings may be changed.

Recovery time

Usually cats gradually recover within 1-2 weeks after surgery. Most cats recover quickly, but you also need to be patient; as long as the medication, observation and care are given on time, most cats can recover smoothly.

IV. Cost range and Hong Kong resource recommendations

Fees Overview

In Hong Kong, the cost of cat sterilization surgery ranges from several hundred to more than a thousand yuan. Additional expenses such as preoperative examination, vaccination, postoperative medication and care products should also be considered. It is recommended to ask the veterinarian for a detailed quotation before the operation and prepare a budget.

Hong Kong Resources and Recommendations

There are many trustworthy veterinary clinics and animal hospitals in Hong Kong that can provide sterilization services, including non-profit clinics and private hospitals. In addition to the SPCA centers in various districts, common choices include: Any Mo Animal Hospital in Sham Shui Po, Non-profit Veterinary Clinics (NPV) in Prince Edward and North Point, etc.; private veterinary hospitals include Concordia Veterinary Clinic in Happy Valley, Mid Levels Cat Hospital in Mid-Levels, etc. It is recommended to refer to online reviews, or ask other cat-raising friends for word-of-mouth to find a doctor you can trust. In addition, mobile sterilization vehicles and community programs also provide low-cost or free services in specific areas (such as rural areas or street cat areas). Please pay attention to relevant information announcements.

5. Common Questions and Concept Clarification

Should all cats be neutered?

If there is no breeding plan, veterinarians generally recommend sterilization of domestic cats to prevent accidental births and significantly reduce the risk of uterine infection, breast tumors, prostate hyperplasia and other diseases. Street cats or indoor cats are recommended to be sterilized to avoid increasing the number of stray cats. In addition, Hong Kong law prohibits private breeding without a license, and owners should understand this in advance.

Will neutering change a cat's personality?

Most veterinarians have found that cats tend to be more stable and docile after being neutered. They no longer make noises or spray urine randomly because of estrus, and their personalities do not become "worse". Some cats may become slightly clingy or like to stay in bed, but this is mainly the result of lower hormones, not "regret for the surgery". As long as the owner continues to give love, play and appropriate stimulation, the cat's original personality will continue. (Note: Weight gain is a common "side effect" after neutering, but it can be controlled through small meals, low-calorie diet and more exercise.)

What are the long-term health effects of sterilization?

Sterilization can significantly reduce the risk of reproductive system diseases such as breast cancer and pyometra, and reduce traumatic infections caused by wandering or fighting. Studies have shown that sterilized cats usually live longer and are healthier than unneutered cats. However, a few studies have also mentioned that sterilized cats may face a higher risk of urinary tract stones or obesity, so owners need to pay attention to their diet and urination. Overall, the benefits of sterilization outweigh the disadvantages, and most veterinarians and animal behavior experts believe that sterilization is an option that improves the quality of life of cats and has positive benefits for individuals and society.

Conclusion

Spaying or neutering your cat is a responsible and loving thing to do. From careful preparation before the procedure, communicating with your veterinarian, to careful care after the procedure, every step can lay a good foundation for your cat's health and happiness. Many veterinarians and experts emphasize that cats will recover quickly and benefit greatly from treatment with care. Let's work together to give our furry friends a healthier and more comfortable future!