Spaying a cat is considered a responsible decision for a pet owner. Not only does it keep unwanted litters from needing homes, but it can also benefit your cat’s health. While the recommended time frame for spaying a cat is between 4 and 6 months of age, the procedure is still recommended at other ages. This guide will help you learn more about the best time for the procedure, including whether or not you should spay a cat in heat.
Benefits of Spaying a Cat
Spaying a cat is a decision that can greatly benefit your cat’s overall health and quality of life. Spaying can:
- Reduce fighting with other cats and the desire to roam.
- Lower her risk for uterine infections and breast cancer.
- Prevent certain diseases like pyometra. (Infected uterus-potentially life threatening if not treated)
- Keep your cat calmer.
The Ideal Spay Window
The best time to spay a cat is before she goes into heat, or estrus, which is why your vet recommends that you do it before she turns 6 months old. Spaying a cat who has not yet sexually matured is a relatively harmless and effective procedure. Most cats will reach the estrus stage between 6 and 9 months of age, but some will do it as early as 4 months. When it comes to spaying your cat, the earlier you can do it, the better.
Spaying a Cat in Heat
Sometimes, we miss the ideal window for spaying a cat for various reasons. Maybe the cat distribution system brought you a young lady who has already reached sexual maturity. Maybe you were purposefully breeding your kitty and decided you no longer want to do that. No matter the reason, it is still possible to spay a cat who is in heat. But, there are a few potential dangers to performing the procedure while she is in heat. These include:
- While in heat, blood flow increases to the tissues around her reproductive organs. This can make it more dangerous to perform surgery, as these engorged tissues are more likely to tear.
- Because of this, the surgery will require more time and more finesse.
- Spaying a cat in heat is typically a little more expensive because it is a more complicated procedure.
Reasons to Consider Spaying a Cat in Heat
Your cat’s personality and behaviors will change while she’s in heat to accommodate her physiological need to find a mate. This means she might:
- Be more likely to escape to try to find a mate.
- Vocalize much more.
- Incessantly try to escape from the home.
- Mark certain parts of the home with urine.
- Many people think their cat is in pain because they are so vocal once the heat cycles begin.
- Many cats will become significantly more affectionate once the heat cycles start.
Once cats begin going into heat, the time between heat cycles is very short. They continue seeking a mate until they become pregnant. Therefore, cats are slightly different than dogs in that it is difficult to gauge when they will be out of heat and for how long.
At Union Lake Veterinary Hospital, we always try to do what’s right for you and your pets. From spays and neuters to routine wellness visits, we are here for every stage of your pet’s life. Call (248) 363-1508 to schedule an appointment.