What is removed during a cat's sterilization surgery? - briefly
During a cat's sterilization surgery, the ovaries and fallopian tubes are typically removed in females, while in males, the testicles are removed. This procedure is commonly referred to as spaying for females and neutering for males.
What is removed during a cat's sterilization surgery? - in detail
During a cat's sterilization surgery, commonly referred to as spaying in female cats and neutering in male cats, specific reproductive organs are surgically removed.
For female cats, the primary focus of the surgery is the removal of both ovaries and the uterus (ovariohysterectomy). The ovaries are the small, almond-shaped glands that produce eggs and secrete hormones essential for reproduction. The uterus, or womb, is where a fertilized egg would implant and develop into a kitten. By removing these organs, the cat becomes incapable of producing offspring and certain behaviors associated with heat cycles are prevented.
In male cats, the surgery involves the removal of both testicles (orchiectomy). The testicles are the paired glands located in the scrotum that produce sperm and secrete testosterone, a hormone crucial for reproduction and the development of secondary sexual characteristics. Removing the testicles prevents the cat from fathering kittens and can help reduce certain undesirable behaviors often exhibited during mating season.
In both procedures, additional structures such as small blood vessels and ligaments may also be removed or cauterized to ensure hemostasis (stoppage of bleeding) and to minimize postoperative complications. It's important to note that while these surgeries are routine and generally safe, they should always be performed by a licensed veterinarian in a sterile environment to maximize the cat’s safety and recovery.