There are both positive and negative aspects to spaying and neutering. In previous blogs we’ve reviewed some of the positive reasons for spaying and neutering:
- No unwanted pregnancies
- Decreased tendency to roam
- Decreased tendency to urine mark
- Decreased mammary cancer
- Decreased uterine infection (pyometra)
Today, let’s look female cats, and the negative aspects of spaying cats. By acknowledging there are negative aspects, we can focus on preventing or delaying their development.
Common problems that increase if cats are spayed:
1. Surgical complications
2. Obesity
3. Feline urinary tract disease (FLUTD)
4. Diabetes
1. Surgical complications in spayed cats
Cats that are spayed (ovariohysterectomy or OHE) are deeply anesthetized so that the ovaries and uterus can be removed through an incision in the abdomen. If 100 spay surgeries are done, 2 and 3 cats will have a negative event associated with surgery. Fortunately, these negative events are usually mild. For example, there is an increase in vomiting and stomach upset, and some cats will have infected incisions. The chubbier the cat, or the longer the cat is in surgery, the greater the likelihood of a negative event.
Although we’re focusing on spay surgery, many times cats are declawed at the same surgery. The additional declaw procedure increases surgical time and increases the likelihood of negative events. In addition, declawing is almost never a wise medical decision. Keep spay surgery time short and do not add extra procedures.
To avoid complications with surgery:
Begin silymarin, SAMe, Omega 3 fatty acids, and other supplements that strengthen the liver and increase the rate it will detoxify anesthetic agents at least two weeks before surgery. Continue them for at least two weeks following surgery.
Ask for IV fluids during and after surgery to promote the flushing of materials from the fat, brain, blood, and tissues.
Ensure the surgeon is exceptionally skilled and efficient with the surgery.
2. Obesity in spayed cats
Estimates are that more than 40% of cats become obese after being spayed or neutered. Obesity is unhealthy and predisposes cats to develop diabetes, pancreatitis, steatitis, and joint problems.
To prevent obesity in spayed cats, change the food by decreasing carbohydrates and increasing protein. Use home-cooked or canned foods, and avoid using kibble as the mainstay in the diet.
3. Feline urinary tract disease (FLUTD) in spayed cats
Many cats develop bladder and urinary tract diseases that cause them to urinate outside the litter box, have painful urination, frequent urination, or blood in the urine. The likelihood of developing FLUTD is greater in spayed cats than in intact cats. These are not infections caused by bacteria but are problems related to eating kibble or dry foods and having foods with a pH that allows stones to form.
To help prevent FLUTD in spayed cats, feed two or three smaller, moist meals a day rather than dry kibble. Keep deliciously clean water available, which for some cats means a little bubbling fountain or a dripping faucet. Watch the pH of the foods and don’t swing far from neutral because foods that are overly acidic or overly alkaline increase the likelihood of bladder problems. Also, don’t let cats become obese because chubbier spayed cats have a greater chance of developing FLUTD than do light-weight cats.
The good news about the spayed cat’s bladder is that although spayed cats develop urinary tract disease, they don’t appear to develop bladder cancer more often than intact cats. This is unlike the circumstances for dogs where spayed or neutered dogs are more likely to develop bladder cancer than are intact dogs.
4. Diabetes in spayed cats
Spayed cats are more than 8 times more likely to develop diabetes than are intact cats. Diabetes is an illness caused when the pancreas doesn’t produce insulin to move sugar from the blood and into the cells. The high blood sugar predispose diabetic pets to develop skin infections, bladder infections, nerves that don’t work, and eye problems. The risk of developing diabetes is greatest in Burmese cats, obese cats, and male cats. Cats with diabetes require insulin injections.
To help prevent diabetes, keep cats the normal weight, and watch what you feed. Avoid foods with simple carbohydrates and sweeteners, including flour, wheat gluten, corn meal, sugar, glucose, and fructose. Feeding high protein foods is always best. Don’t be fooled by pet food advertising so that you look at the pretty pictures rather than the label. If you’re unsure of what is ideal for your cat, ask your holistic veterinarian.
Fortunately, some cats that develop diabetes can return to normal if they change their diet and lose weight. This includes cats that need insulin injections when they are first diagnosed with diabetes.
Summary
We’ve just reviewed some of the medical problems that are more likely to occur in spayed cats than in intact cats. These medical problems don’t mean that cats should not be spayed; they mean we need to pay attention. For sure, we need to feed cats properly, ensure water intake, and prevent obesity. If we take good care of our spayed cats, they will be around for many more years than the average unspayed cat. That means more years for us to love them.
In future blogs, we'll look at what's good and what's bad about spaying female dogs and neutering male dogs.
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