Neutering and spaying a cat: what you need to know

As an owner, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is whether or not to have your cat neutered. In this guide, we cover all you need to know about neutering your feline friend. We explain the benefits, risks and costs, as well as what happens during surgery and how to help your cat recover - to support you in making the right decision for your cat’s health and welfare.

In this article:

1. What is cat neutering?
2. Benefits of neutering or spaying a cat
3. What are the risks associated with spaying or neutering a cat?
4. When to have your cat neutered
5. What happens during neutering surgery?
6. How long will it take a cat to recover?
7. Costs of neutering a cat
8. Conclusion

What is cat neutering?

Neutering refers to surgical procedures that prevent cats from reproducing. Male cats are castrated (their testicles are removed), and female cats are spayed (their ovaries and uterus are removed.

These procedures are carried out under general anaesthetic by a vet, with cats closely monitored throughout surgery and recovery.

What are the benefits of neutering or spaying a cat

There are several benefits to spaying or neutering a cat, which can vary depending on whether they’re female or male.

Female cats (spaying benefits)

• Prevents unwanted pregnancies.
• Stops repeated seasons, avoiding distressing behaviours like loud calling, mood changes, spraying, and attempts to escape in search of a mate.
• Greatly reduces the risk of cervical and mammary (breast) cancers: spaying before 6 months lowers the risk of mammary cancer by over 90%.
• Removes the risk of ovarian cancer.
• Prevents infections of the womb (e.g. pyometra).

Male cats (castration benefits)

• Prevents testicular cancer.
• Can help reduce roaming, fighting, and hormore-driven behaviours.
• Reduces the risk of spraying urine around your house.
• As well as reducing the risk of spraying, it removes the strong smell of their urine, too!

All cats

• They’re less likely to roam away in search of a mate, which reduces the chances of:
  o    Getting into accidents.
  o    Getting into fights.
  o    Going missing.
• Reduces the risk of contracting Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) and Feline Leukaemia (FeLV).

For you

• Won’t have to worry about dealing with the stresses and costs of caring for your cat throughout pregnancy.
• Removes the pressures of paying the care costs for, and looking after, a litter of kittens.
• Eliminates the emotional distress involved in finding suitable new homes for kittens you’ve watched develop and grow from birth.
• No more unwanted attention from vocal tomcats, who are attracted by female cats on heat.
• A cleaner home, since male cats are less likely to mark their territory.

What are the risks associated with spaying or neutering a cat?

Neutering is very safe and performed every day by vets across the UK, but as with any surgery there are some potential risks and side effects:

• Surgical risks: Rare, but possible: infection at the surgical site, anaesthetic reactions, or complications with stitches.
• Recovery issues: Some cats may experience nausea, soreness, or stress. Stitches (if external) must be protected from scratching/chewing.
• Weight gain: Neutered cats need fewer calories, so portion control is important. Without diet changes, cats can become overweight or obese, increasing risks of diabetes and joint problems.
• Irreversible procedure: Once neutered, a cat cannot reproduce. While they don’t feel “loss” like humans might, it’s a permanent decision.

To lower the risk of anything going wrong on the day of their spay or neuter, your cat will be monitored before, during, and after the operation. Your vet will explain the risks of surgery to you prior to booking your cat’s procedure, so make sure you prepare any questions you’d like to ask them.

When to have your cat neutered

There’s debate among vets about the best time to get your cat spayed or neutered. So, you’ll need to follow the advice of your own vet as to what’s best for your cat’s unique situation. It’s important to keep the following information in mind:

• Kittens can become pregnant as early as four months, so most vets recommend neutering or spaying around this time.
• Some vets may neuter even earlier - studies confirm that early-age neutering (8–16 weeks) is safe and does not harm long-term health.
• Older cats can be neutered at any time, but risks (e.g., weight gain, slower recovery) may be higher.

Please note: It’s important to keep your cat inside until they’re spayed or neutered, because one female cat and her offspring can produce 370,000 kittens in just seven years!

What happens during neutering surgery?

For many cats and kittens, getting spayed or neutered might be their first surgery, and it’s normal for owners to feel anxious. Understanding what happens before, during, and after the procedure can help you feel reassured:

Before the operation

The night before, you’ll usually be asked to stop feeding your cat after a certain time. It’s also a good idea to keep your cat indoors the night before and prepare their carrier in advance, so the morning is less stressful.

On the morning of surgery, you may also need to prevent them from drinking water for a couple of hours. Your vet will carry out a pre-op examination to check your cat is well enough for surgery. This is your chance to ask any final questions or raise concerns.

During the operation

Once admitted, your cat is settled in a clean, cosy environment and given a sedative to help them relax. They are then placed under general anaesthetic and pain relief, so they remain asleep and comfortable throughout.

The procedure details are as follows:

• The surgical site is clipped and cleaned.
• A small incision is made:
  In the abdomen for females, to remove the ovaries and uterus.
  Near the scrotum for males, to remove the testicles.
• Throughout the procedure, an experienced veterinary nurse continuously monitors your cat’s breathing rate, reflexes, temperature, blood oxygen levels, and other vital signs to keep them safe.
• Once the reproductive organs are removed, the vet carefully closes the incision in layers with stitches.

After the operation

Your cat is placed back into a warm, comfortable recovery area and closely monitored as they wake up from the anaesthetic.

Once your vet is satisfied they are stable, you’ll be able to take them home - usually on the same day.

You’ll also be given pain relief, aftercare instructions, and follow-up appointments to make sure your cat or kitten is recovering well.

How long will it take for a cat to recover?

The recovery time for a cat after spaying or neutering varies depending on the individual cat and the type of procedure performed. Generally, it will take around 7-10 days for most cats to recover.

You can help this process along by following your vet’s advice and making them more comfortable at home with the following tips:

Cat neutering aftercare tips

Whether they’ve been castrated or spayed, help your feline friend get better quickly with these neutering aftercare tips for male and female cats.

1. Protect the wound

Your cat will need to wear a cone, inflatable recovery collar, or vet-approved body suit to stop them from licking their incision and prevent infections, too.

2. Keep them comfortable

Provide a quiet, cosy resting area away from busy parts of the home. Be sure to replace litter with shredded paper to avoid dust irritating the wound.

3. Be mindful of the surgical site

Take daily photos of the wound to track healing. You should avoid trying to touch or using products to clean the wound, as this can irritate it further.

Contact your vet if you see swelling, bleeding, discharge, odour, or if the wound opens.

4. Monitor their food and drink

Cats need to eat and drink frequently to stay healthy. Constant access to clean, fresh water is essential for your cat.

Your vet may recommend feeding your cat plain meals, like boiled chicken and rice, for a few days following their surgery. 

5. Manage stress

Some cats become anxious after neutering surgery. Calming plug-ins or medication may help (always ask your vet before use).

6. Limit movement

Moving around too much can prevent or delay healing. We recommend:

• Keeping cats indoors until fully healed.
• Preventing jumping or climbing by using ramps if needed.
• Move your cat’s food bowl, water bowl, and litter box to an easy-to-reach location.
• Using a crate overnight if they won’t rest.

7. Handle them carefully

Each cat is an individual – while some may find comfort in cuddling up with you, others prefer to be left alone. Whichever approach your cat prefers, you should try to avoid handling them while they heal, wherever possible.

The kindest way to pick up your cat, if absolutely necessary, is to place a hand under their chest and gently scoop their backend up with your other hand. 

As well as these at-home care tips, you should make sure to attend all post-surgery appointments with the vet or vet nurse, so they can monitor your cat’s condition and wellbeing throughout the recovery process.

Costs of neutering a cat

The cost of spaying or neutering a cat in the UK will vary depending on where you live, and the type of procedure needed. Spaying a cat is usually more expensive than castration, since it’s more complex and involves internal surgery.

Cat neutering procedures are not typically covered by pet insurance plans, but there are options available, including payment plans at some veterinary practices.

Some local councils and animal charities offer discounts or subsidies to help offset the cost of the surgery for low-income families. Certain charities even neuter your feline friend before you bring them home, so the cost of surgery will be included in their adoption fee.

Whatever you decide, it’s important to discuss the options with your vet to determine what’s best for your cat.

Conclusion

Cat neutering and spaying are routine, safe procedures with major health and welfare benefits. Like any surgery, there are risks involved, but these are rare. Overall, neutering your cat is recommended in most cases to help prevent unwanted pregnancies, reduce disease risk, and improve quality of life.

Related resources

Cat pregnancy guide
All cat behaviour and training advice
All cat health advice