Did your cat go into heat before you could spay her? If it caught you off guard or you waited longer than planned, timing can sometimes be a challenge when it comes to scheduling a spay surgery. The good news is that spaying during heat is possible, but it’s not always ideal.
Spaying Before the First Heat
You’d like to have your cat spayed prior to the first heat cycle, ideally. A spay or ovariohysterectomy is a very low-risk procedure if it’s performed at the appropriate time: before the animal reaches sexual maturity.
The age at which a veterinarian typically recommends a cat be spayed is when the cat reaches six months of age; most females begin their first heat between 6 and 9 months of age. In fact, sometimes the cats go into heat at four months. For such reasons, if you really want to prevent early heat, it is best for you to consult your vet for advice.
Even shelters spay kittens at very young ages, namely at eight weeks to avoid an unintentional pregnancy. For such scenarios, discussing with your vet about early spaying may come in handy, if the issue of time is also concerned.
What to Consider When Spaying a Cat in Heat
If your cat is already in heat, then her behavior might not be easy to control. During this period, all instincts might be prompting her to mate; therefore, she might even try to escape from home in search of a male partner.
To avoid accidentally getting pregnant, keep your cat indoors and safe. Cats in heat can also show challenging behaviors, such as over-meowing and urine marking.
If you are already having it tough to cope with her behavior, then spaying her during heat would appear to be an excellent thought. However, there are difficulties associated with such an attempt. During heat, all the reproductive organs of the cat become full of blood, and surgery can become more cumbersome and risky.
The duration of surgery will be a bit longer and may charge more as there would be requirements for extra resources. Most of the veterinary providers still like waiting for a period where the heat cycle finally tapers off before bringing home the procedure.
Weighing Your Options
If you have already scheduled a spay surgery and your cat suddenly goes into heat, call your vet. She may recommend waiting until after the cycle to make it easier for both the cat and the surgeon. If she is likely to get loose and mate, though, you may decide that the extra cost and minimal risk are worth it to get the surgery done now.
Scheduling the Surgery
If you decide to wait until your cat gets out of heat, you can anticipate waiting ahead. Cats seem to get into heat almost every couple of weeks when they don’t breed; thus, pinpointing an exact time could be a bit tough. Let your vet advise you on the best timing and remind them if your cat begins showing signs of heat during the scheduled visit.
By planning ahead and consulting the vet, you can make spaying a safe and smooth experience for your cat, minimizing accidental pregnancies.
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If you think your pet may be unwell, contact your veterinarian right away. For any health concerns, always reach out to your vet—they have assessed your pet, understand its medical history, and can provide the most suitable advice for your pet’s well-being.
