Should You Get Your Cat Spayed If It's In Heat?
Having one's cat spayed or neutered can save you and your cat from a lifetime of unwanted offspring, but it can be troubling to try and do so if your cat is already in heat. Many pet owners think that cats who are in heat can't be spayed and that if they're in heat, they could be pregnant. If you've found yourself in this situation, read this guide to find out more about the process and how to prevent causing harm to your cat or any potential kittens.
Is It Possible?
The good news is, yes, spaying a cat in heat is entirely possible. It doesn't pose a risk to your cat's health, and can typically be performed safely and easily without any need for additional care after the process is complete. Many pet owners have their cats spayed while they're in heat in order to prevent them from giving birth to a litter that the pet owners would have to find homes for.
Precautions
It's understandable if you're concerned that your cat could be pregnant already. While it's possible to have a cat spayed while they're pregnant, it's completely reasonable not to want to do that. Thankfully, your vet can help you to ensure that this doesn't happen.
If you want to have, your cat spayed but don't know if they're pregnant, visit a vet. Your vet will be able to ultrasound your cat's belly to determine if they're pregnant. If they are, you can take your cat home and wait until the kittens are born and developed enough so that the mother can be spayed safely.
What To Expect
If your cat isn't pregnant and your vet believes that they can undergo the spaying process, there's nothing more you need to do. Your vet will sedate your cat and operate to remove the reproductive organs to prevent your cat from being able to get pregnant. When the operation is complete, your cat's incision will be stitched closed, and your kitty will be able to come home.
Since female spaying surgery is a bit more intensive than male neutering, your cat may need a couple of days to recuperate. As long as they can be indoors and allowed to rest, you shouldn't have to worry about them. Your vet will let you know if your cat is a special case and needs additional wound care or attention while they're healing up.
Spaying a cat in heat is possible, and it doesn't have to weigh on your conscience. Talk to a veterinary office like Pitts Veterinary Hospital PC if you're interested in having your cat spayed but don't want to potentially harm unborn kittens.