Contraception Methods for Cats
See files for Cats
There are few things that make us feel as tenderhearted as seeing how after a cat's pregnancy, the excellent mother cares for her cherished and playful kittens. However, you must be aware that beyond this idyllic sight, many problems can arise if the owners do not want or can't keep the litter.
If you don't have the room or the means to accommodate a litter of kittens, you must prevent your cat from breeding at all costs. In the event of a litter, it will be your responsibility to keep any animals from being abandoned.
In order to avoid that, this AnimalWised article will talk about contraception methods for cats.
Contraceptive methods for female cats
Females have a seasonally polyestrous sexual cycle, meaning they have several heat cycles each year. These coincide with the most favorable seasons for reproduction. Female cats also ovulate when mating has occurred, so fertilization is virtually certain.
Let's have a look at the methods for preventing pregnancies in female cats:
- Surgical sterilization: An ovariohysterectomy is a common procedure. It involves the removal of the uterus and ovaries, therefore preventing the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. It is an irreversible method, but if it is done early, it decreases the risk of breast cancer. Evidently, spayed female cats require specific care.
- Chemical sterilization: Chemical sterilization is reversible and is achieved through drugs that act similarly to natural reproductive hormones; thus the menstrual cycle and pregnancy is inhibited. The safest method is thorough regular injections, however, long-term application of this injection is more expensive than surgical sterilization. Tablets can also be used as an oral contraceptives, but they may have a greater number of side effects.
Contraceptive methods for male cats
The sterilization of male cats only occurs only through surgical methods. There are basically two options:
- Vasectomy: This involves the vas deferens and prevents pregnancy in cats. The production of testosterone however is still intact and the cat can continue his sex life without any problems. This method is hardly used as it doesn't prevent the cat?s sexual behavior.
- Castration: This is a surgical procedure that only takes 10 minutes. It is much simpler and less expensive than surgeries in female cats. It involves removing the testicles. This intervention will prevent wounds resulting from fights with other cats. It also prevents your cat from roaming during heat and reduces the odor of its urine. Just like a vasectomy, it is an irreversible method. A neutered male cat will need a monitored diet.
Here you can learn when should you neuter a male cat.
Check with your veterinarian
As you can see, there are different contraception methods for cats, but not all of them will be suitable for your pet or your lifestyle. That's why we recommend you check with your vet first, as they will advise you on the best method for your cat and what advantages and problems can arise from it.
If you still have doubts about whether to use contraception methods with your cat, here you can learn about the benefits of neutering a cat.
This article is purely informative. AnimalWised does not have the authority to prescribe any veterinary treatment or create a diagnosis. We invite you to take your pet to the veterinarian if they are suffering from any condition or pain.
If you want to read similar articles to Contraception Methods for Cats, we recommend you visit our Prevention category.
