Friends and Felines,

BLVD Cat is all about the well-being of our fabulous feline friends! One way we achieve this is by advocating for the safe and common practices of spaying and neutering at an appropriate age. We've put together some feline spay and neuter facts and frequently asked questions for you.

What is Spaying and Neutering? 

Spaying is a procedure performed on female cats that involves the removal of the uterus and ovaries, while neutering is a process used for male cats, requiring the removal of the testicles. Both surgeries are done under general anesthesia and are safe, routine, and relatively pain-free. Most cats recover quickly, often resuming normal activity within a day. 

The Benefits of Spaying and Neutering: 

Cats that have been spayed or neutered are less influenced by their hormonal instincts, which can result in better focus and responsiveness to their families. Cats that have been spayed or neutered are less likely to wander in search of a mate, reducing the risk of getting lost or injured. (Fun fact - male cats can detect a female in heat from a long distance.) 

How Long Does the Spay and Neuter Process Take? 

The procedure itself moves very quickly - typically complete within 30 minutes! We’ll ask that you drop your kitty off in the morning for intake. We will have them stay with us the first half of the day to prep them for the procedure. Once their procedure is complete, we will get them comfy and cozy with lots of blankets to hide under while our support team monitors them for a few hours. All in all - they will be home by dinner time! 

Will My Cat’s Personality Change? 

Altering your cats will not change their fundamental personality nor remove their protective instinct.Most cat owners report no changes in their pet’s personality following the procedure. If any differences are noticed, they’re typically positive, such as decreased roaming, fighting, or anxious and aggressive behavior. Many cats even become more affectionate and calmer. 

Additional Reasons to Spay or Neuter 

For Female Cats: 

• Spaying reduces the risk of cancer and uterine infections such as pyometra. 
• Female cats in heat often spray, defecate in inappropriate places, and attract male cats who fight each other or create a disturbance. Spaying eliminates these problems. 
• Pregnancy brings increased food intake and healthcare costs, while raising kittens takes significant time and money for feeding, deworming, vaccinations, and finding them homes. 

For Male Cats: 

• Neutering decreases the chances of infections, prostate problems, and urinary disorders, which can lead to kidney disease—a common issue in unaltered male cats over five years old. 
• Unaltered males frequently spray pungent urine to mark their territory both indoors and outdoors. Neutering at a young age usually prevents this behavior. 

We hope you find these tips useful and that they help keep your cats happy and healthy. Contact us if you have any questions or would like to schedule an exam. We are always here for you and your cats! 

At Their Service,

The BLVD Cat Team