What do they do to a cat when they spay it? - briefly
Spaying is a surgical procedure performed on female cats to prevent them from having kittens. During the surgery, the veterinarian removes both ovaries and the uterus, which prevents future pregnancies and reduces the risk of certain diseases such as pyometra and mammary cancer.
What do they do to a cat when they spay it? - in detail
When cats are spayed, a surgical procedure known as an ovariohysterectomy is performed. This involves the removal of the cat's reproductive organs, specifically the ovaries and uterus. The process typically begins with the administration of anesthesia to ensure the cat's comfort and safety during surgery. Once the cat is under anesthesia, the veterinarian makes a small incision in the abdomen, usually just below the navel.
The procedure involves careful dissection to locate and isolate the reproductive organs. The ovaries are identified first and carefully dissected away from the surrounding tissue. Blood vessels supplying the ovaries are ligated (tied off) to prevent bleeding. After the ovaries are removed, attention is turned to the uterus. The uterine horns are gently pulled out of the abdomen, and the cervix is identified. The veterinarian then carefully ties off the uterine artery and cuts the uterus free from the body.
Once all reproductive organs have been removed, the incision site is closed using sutures or surgical staples. The cat is then monitored closely as she recovers from anesthesia. Post-operative care includes administering pain medication and ensuring the cat does not lick or chew at the incision site, which could lead to infection.
Spaying cats not only prevents unwanted litters but also provides numerous health benefits. It significantly reduces the risk of mammary gland tumors, ovarian cancer, and uterine infections such as pyometra. Additionally, spayed cats are less likely to exhibit behavioral issues related to their heat cycle, such as howling and spraying urine to mark territory.
In summary, the spaying procedure involves the careful removal of a cat's ovaries and uterus under anesthesia, with meticulous attention paid to preventing bleeding and ensuring proper closure of the incision site. This surgery offers both health benefits for the cat and helps control the pet population.