Feline Spay and Neuter Questions Answered by a Veterinarian

Free First Visit Offer (657) 756-5683 Questions answered by the veterinarians at Love Animal Hospital & Urgent Care. A light blue heart icon on a white background, symbolizing compassion and care, often associated with veterinarians. A minimalist image featuring a large green curved shape on the right side, reminiscent of a veterinarian symbol, set against a plain white background. A simple, solid blue circle centered on a white background, reminiscent of the calm assurance found in a veterinarian's care. A solid green heart shape sits prominently on a white background, symbolizing the care and compassion of a veterinarian's dedication.
A fluffy tabby cat lies on a metal examination table, while a person in a white lab coat and stethoscope gently holds it, suggesting a veterinary checkup.

Shouldn’t I let my cat have a litter before I spay her?

We do not recommend allowing your cat to have a litter before spaying, unless she is intended for breeding purposes. If she is a beloved pet, spaying her is better for her overall health, and it helps prevent the overpopulation of kittens in need of homes. Breeding should only be considered by individuals who are reputable breeders.

A fluffy tabby cat lies on a metal examination table, while a person in a white lab coat and stethoscope gently holds it, suggesting a veterinary checkup.

Shouldn’t I let my cat have a litter before I spay her?

We do not recommend allowing your cat to have a litter before spaying, unless she is intended for breeding purposes. If she is a beloved pet, spaying her is better for her overall health, and it helps prevent the overpopulation of kittens in need of homes. Breeding should only be considered by individuals who are reputable breeders.

My cat sprays all over the house—will neutering help?

Yes, spraying is a common behavior in intact male cats as they mark their territory. Their urine can carry a strong odor. Neutering typically reduces this territorial behavior, making it less likely for your cat to spray indoors, and can also alleviate the intensity of the smell.

A fluffy gray and white cat with yellow eyes is lying on a windowsill, looking directly at the camera. Sunlight is shining through the window, highlighting its soft fur.
A fluffy gray and white cat with yellow eyes is lying on a windowsill, looking directly at the camera. Sunlight is shining through the window, highlighting its soft fur.

My cat sprays all over the house—will neutering help?

Yes, spraying is a common behavior in intact male cats as they mark their territory. Their urine can carry a strong odor. Neutering typically reduces this territorial behavior, making it less likely for your cat to spray indoors, and can also alleviate the intensity of the smell.

A fluffy orange tabby cat with green eyes looks directly at the camera, sitting on a light-colored chair with a blurred background.

Will spaying or neutering be painful for my cat?

This procedure is a surgery, and while we take every precaution to minimize discomfort, we cannot guarantee zero pain. During the surgery, your cat will be under anesthesia, ensuring they do not feel any pain. Afterward, they will go home with post-operative pain medications. Just like humans, cats may experience some discomfort after their incisions heal, but our team works diligently to keep this to a minimum.

Will spaying or neutering make my cat less vocal?

Yes, intact male cats often yowl loudly to attract mates or to assert dominance. After being neutered, males tend to vocalize less. Female cats, on the other hand, vocalize during their heat cycles. Spaying tends to reduce this vocalization behavior, though their capacity to meow or communicate affection will remain unchanged.

A light gray tabby cat with blue eyes rests comfortably in a person's arms, looking directly at the camera. The person is wearing a dark shirt.
A blue-eyed tabby cat with light fur is comfortably lying on a person's lap, looking directly at the camera. The person is wearing a dark shirt and sitting on a light-colored surface.

How long is the recovery after my cat’s spay or neuter?

Recovery typically takes about 10 days, during which your cat will need to limit activity and avoid licking their incision. They may also be prescribed pain medication or even a mild sedative if they are particularly energetic. It is essential to follow post-operative care instructions to ensure a smooth recovery.

Will my cat need pain medication at home after the spay or neuter?

This will depend on the veterinarian’s assessment. At Love Animal Hospital & Urgent Care, we generally provide long-acting pain relief via a subcutaneous injection during the procedure. Supplemental oral medications may or may not be necessary, depending on the specific case.

A long-haired gray tabby cat with green eyes is lying by a window, resting one paw on the window ledge and looking directly at the camera. Sunlight is softly illuminating its fur.

Will my cat gain weight after a spay or neuter?

Weight gain is not a direct result of spaying or neutering; rather, these procedures can slightly slow down your cat’s metabolism due to the decrease in sex hormones. As a result, you may need to adjust their diet and calorie intake to maintain a healthy weight.

A long-haired gray tabby cat with green eyes is lying by a window, resting one paw on the window ledge and looking directly at the camera. Sunlight is softly illuminating its fur.

Will my cat gain weight after a spay or neuter?

Weight gain is not a direct result of spaying or neutering; rather, these procedures can slightly slow down your cat’s metabolism due to the decrease in sex hormones. As a result, you may need to adjust their diet and calorie intake to maintain a healthy weight.

Will my cat’s personality change after being spayed or neutered?

While their personality itself will not change, certain behaviors related to mating can diminish. For instance, yowling or spraying that is driven by hormones may lessen. However, your cat’s unique personality and interactions with you will remain the same.

A long-haired, brown and orange tabby cat with green eyes lounges on a tan cushion, looking at the camera with sunlight highlighting its fur.
A fluffy, long-haired cat with green eyes and a mix of brown, black, and orange fur lies on a brown cushion, looking toward the camera in soft sunlight.

Will my cat’s personality change after being spayed or neutered?

While their personality itself will not change, certain behaviors related to mating can diminish. For instance, yowling or spraying that is driven by hormones may lessen. However, your cat’s unique personality and interactions with you will remain the same.

A calico cat lies on a bed, partially covered by a soft gray blanket. The background features red and blue tones, creating a cozy and relaxed atmosphere.

Will my tomcat stop running away if I neuter him?

Neutering can indeed reduce your cat’s urge to roam in search of females, but it doesn’t guarantee that he won’t explore. Many neutered cats still enjoy exploring their neighborhood, so while it can help reduce wandering, it does not entirely eliminate the behavior.

A calico cat lies on a bed, partially covered by a soft gray blanket. The background features red and blue tones, creating a cozy and relaxed atmosphere.

Will my tomcat stop running away if I neuter him?

Neutering can indeed reduce your cat’s urge to roam in search of females, but it doesn’t guarantee that he won’t explore. Many neutered cats still enjoy exploring their neighborhood, so while it can help reduce wandering, it does not entirely eliminate the behavior.

We hope these answers assist you in making informed decisions about your cat’s health and welfare. If you have more questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us!

For pet care services or more information, reach out to us at Love Animal Hospital & Urgent Care: (657) 756-5683 or visit our website at Love.vet. We are located at 16161 Springdale St, Huntington Beach, CA 92649.

Thank you for trusting us with your furry family members!