Getting My Kitten Spayed...

Hi, I'm new here.

My kitten is about 4 1/2 months old. I got her from a kill shelter in L.A. at the end of June. By law, they aren't supposed to let you take any animal home who hasn't been spayed or neutered, but she was under two pounds and, I guess, it's considered too dangerous to aneasthetize and operate on such a tiny creature. So, anyway, she came home with me intact.

She was very sick for a long time with a cold and various worms and parasites and allergies, but she's doing great now. It's been really awesome watching her grow up. When she first came home with me she was terrified by everything for weeks and hid constantly. She's now bouncy, playful, talkative and one of the friendliest cats I've ever seen in action; she walks up confidently to everyone who enters the house and engages with them, even the electrician who didn't really appreciate her inspecting and batting at his work.

I've kept her as an indoor cat for a combination of reasons: her early illnesses, longer life expectancy, no risk of pregnancy (unless she manages to get out), no risk of losing her, no yard for her to play in and, just living in L.A., worried that she'll get run over. When I have taken her outside, she's been pretty scared of all the traffic and strange noises and she never tries to slip out the door when I or anyone else is going in or out (though she does love looking out the window at the wall of the apartment across the walk as people pass by).

Anyway, it's about time to get her fixed. While still small for her age, she's had a growth spurt in the last week or so and is getting more aggressive when she plays. I've never had a cat in heat so I don't know what that's like. I've heard it's awful, constant caterwauling, humping everything in reach, etc. She's yet to display any signs of it (that I'm aware of). She's a pale orange tabby which I've read is fairly rare, but her external gentitalia are female. I was, actually, kind of hoping she was a hermaphrodite so I wouldn't have to get her fixed. She was just been so sick for so long maybe I'm a little paranoid about her being operated on and she got a horrible abscess from the last shot she got at the vet. I know that having a hysterectomy is a major surgery for a human and comes with a whole host of life long side effects; do female cats have a similar experience with the procedure? I've read on this board that many cats have personality changes after getting fixed; the aloof, snoozy ones turn friendly and the friendly ones turn aloof and snoozy. I guess I feel like now that she isn't sick all the time her actual personality has, finally, had a chance to come out and she seems so happy that I'd just hate to...mess with that. I'm, also, worried that she won't trust me anymore afterward, that she'll feel like I tricked her into going somewhere where they hurt her.

Sorry, if this sounds nuts. I've just never been responsible for a creature before and I love her a lot and just want her to be happy. Sorry, this is so long.

Spaying will not nessasarily change her personality. Kirra was spayed when she reached 2lbs. She was between 2-3 months of age. It does them so much better to be spayed, not only do you and her not have to suffer a heat cycle(they can be soooo annoying) but her health will be better for it. As for her health her lately, try not to worry, Kirra was sick with worms, some kind of infection they vet calls dumbster/garbage something (the no home kitties get it from eating garbage) her eyes were infected as well, all when i first got her. She is 4 months now and the sweetest kitty you have ever met. Alot of the personality changes after fixing are usually the older cats. But personality aside, you have done so much for her health, spaying will be one more good thing you can do.

Believe me, spaying is the best for your baby! My Margaret went into heat before we could get her an appointment (we were in the process of moving into our new house), and the behavior is quite annoying, and you also feel bad for the cat. Most importantly, she won't be able to get pregnant. Even though you keep her indoors, once she starts going into heat (which could be avery 2-3 WEEKS, permanently), she may try to get outside to hook up with a male. Since it sounds as if traffic is a problem in your area, you'll want to decrease the chances of her going outside. Spaying is the right thing to do.

I know just how you feel about subjecting such a little kitten to an operation--that's why I dragged my feet a bit with Marge; I now have a tiny, undersized foster kitten, Marilyn, who is due to be spayed this Wednesday. I even put off the appointment a couple of weeks, because I felt so bad subjecting such an undersized kitten to surgery (even though she seems quite healthy). It's hard! But, it's the best thing for them. BTW, what does your vet say? Can the surgery be held off until the kitten recovers a bit more?

I wish you and your little one all the best! Keep us updated!

MargeCat

female cats have a similar experience with the procedure? I've read on this board that many cats have personality changes after getting fixed; the aloof, snoozy ones turn friendly and the friendly ones turn aloof and snoozy. I guess I feel like now that she isn't sick all the time her actual personality has, finally, had a chance to come out and she seems so happy that I'd just hate to...mess with that. I'm, also, worried that she won't trust me anymore afterward, that she'll feel like I tricked her into going somewhere where they hurt her.

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Welcome to TCS...it's obvious you care about your girl and want the best for her. Actually, studies show that kittens bounce back from the surgery faster than cats. Additionally, she may at first be sluggish and aloof because it is major surgery...but right now that she is intact, she is subject to mood swings associated with being in and out of heat. Everyone that I have talked to has only had positive things to say about their cats personality once the spay surgery was over and the cat had time to rest. Also, if you do not spay her...her chances of cancer is higher as well as her chance for pyometra:

http://www.sniksnak.com/cathealth/pyometra.html

which cats can die from.

I would certainly talk to your vet about your concerns and schedule her spay date appropriately, but be vigilent and make sure that she absolutely cannot get outdoors until she has been spayed.

Katie

I know spaying is the right thing to do, but it is always hard to actually schedule the surgery, and drop the kitty off. My anxiety spikes until I pick them up. Then I over worry as they heal.

But it has to be done, for the kitty's sake. I have a Mom in heat currently, and she is miserable. Purring and rubbing, and calling. She is afraid of me, but rubs against my shoes as if she is in love with them! She is clearly uncomfortable, and wanting something she cannot have!

And even the skittish scaredy cats do just fine with the surgery. I'm not sure why, but they never seem to correlate me taking them to the vet, but they are always thrilled that I came to save them and bring them home!

I often put food bowls in carriers, so my kitties are all comfortable in the carriers. I think that helps...so although it is a new experience, the ride to the vet is not so scary.

I know that having a hysterectomy is a major surgery for a human and comes with a whole host of life long side effects

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I had 1 almost 2 years ago and have suffered no ill effects at all!!!
Sapphire gets spayed on Tuesday--she is only 3 months old, so I know your fear.I've been through the spay thing 2 times now and the neuter thing once.I still have Mia to get spayed.......she's only around 8 weeks old and weighs less than 2 pounds.So, there will be NO spay for her for a few more weeks.......my Vets orders.He doesn't believe in spaying before they are 12 weeks old.
She will be so much healthier for the spay than if she goes without it.And alot happier too.
Blaze was spayed at 6 months old,Lilly at 13 weeks old and I saw NO changes in them.At first they were groggy from the anesthesia and the pain shot that I had them get.But, with in a few hours, they were back to themselves.