In the course of their lives, a pair of cats with healthy reproductive organs can sire around 780,000 kittens. Whilst the owner of the male cat usually gets away without the consequences of mating, the owner of the female cat is left with a litter of young cats. As the owner of a female cat, you should consider the benefits of sterilisation at a young age.
In addition, a non-sterilised cat regularly gets "hot" and can experience physical pain if its urges are not satisfied.
Overpopulation of stray cats through uncontrolled breeding usually results in the animals dying from disease, starvation, car accidents or being euthanised at the shelter. Non-sterilised cats are more likely to run away from home due to their mating instinct.
Sterilisation (ovariohysterectomy) is the surgical removal of the oviducts in female cats. After the procedure, the cat can no longer have kittens. This surgical procedure is performed by a vet and requires the cat to be in a stable state of health.
Sterilisation is generally recommended between the ages of 2 months and 6 months. The earlier sterilisation is carried out, the better for the cat so that it does not develop a sex drive. However, if the cat is weak or ill, you should wait longer to be on the safe side so that the cat is not endangered by the operation. If the cat is currently "hot", you should wait a few days until it is over, due to the increased blood loss caused by the operation. After the oestrus phase or recovery of the cat, it should be sterilised as soon as possible. Sterilisation at less than 6 months of age prevents behavioural problems later on, which can be caused by a fully developed sex drive.
Many cat owners are reluctant to have their cat sterilised because they are afraid that their cat will become overweight afterwards. The weight gain after sterilisation begins gradually and through reduced straying of the cat and an overall calmer personality. At the first sign of unhealthy weight gain, the cat owner should change the food ration or quality of the food.
