Neutering can have significant preventative health care benefits for pets. We recommend clients to spay non-breeding female dogs, cats and rabbits to prevent unwanted pregnancy, womb infections, uterine and ovarian tumours and reduce the risk of mammary tumours.
Neutering male cats helps reduce roaming and breeding related fighting (activities which put entire males at great risk of serious disease or injury).
Male dogs that are not castrated are at risk of developing testicular cancer, prostate abnormalities and other hormonally driven anomalies such as anal adenomas. For some male rabbits neutering can reduce aggressive behaviour.
Benefits of neutering your pet
Neutering is a surgical procedure performed under general anaesthesia to remove part or all of an animal’s reproductive organs, preventing them from reproducing. In males, it is called castration and in females, spaying.
- Prevents unwanted pregnancies and womb infections
- Can help prevent tumours and breast cancer
- Can also help prevent testicular cancer and prostate disease
- Assists in preventing roaming and aggressive behaviour
- It’s normal to neuter! 86% of owned cats and 71% of owned dogs in the UK are neutered*
*PSDA Paws report 2020
When's the right time for my pet?
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Male |
Female |
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Cat |
From four months |
From four months |
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Dog |
From six months although we will consider your pet’s weight, breed and behaviour |
Pre-season or at least three months after season |
Male Dog Neutering
What are the benefits of neutering my dog?
Castration prevents the risk of impregnating a female dog and prevents the risk of testicular tumours and prostatic problems. It can drastically reduce hypersexual behaviour, such as mounting/humping and scent marking. Neutering your dog can reduce aggression displays to other male dogs
rsexual behaviour, such as mounting/humping and scent marking. Neutering your dog can reduce aggression displays to other male dogs
What is male puppy neutering?
Puppy neutering is a short surgical procedure where both testicles are carefully removed. The procedure takes roughly half an hour.
What age can my male puppy be neutered?
Your dog can be neutered from 6 months old onwards. However, it is recommended for your dog to have reached maturing before the surgery is performed, which could be up to 2 years in larger dogs.
What is the recovery time after male dog neutering?
After your male dog has been neutered, it will need rest at home for the next few days to ensure proper healing. We usually see that dogs can return to normal exercise and routine in 5-7 days.
Female Dog Spaying
What are the benefits of pet spaying for my dog?
Spaying female dogs prevent the risk of unwanted pregnancy and phantom pregnancies and prevents risk associated with mammary tumour and uterus infections.
What is puppy spaying?
Spaying is the removal of ovaries and the uterus in female dogs.
What age can my female puppy be spayed?
The spaying procedure can be completed before their first season around six months old, or after their first season.
What is the recovery time after female dog spaying?
As the operation is more complex, at least 2 weeks of rest and recovery time is required for females. This can vary between different breeds. We will give you detailed instructions on how best to care for your dog including pain relief and a check-up appointment.
Cat Neutering
What are the benefits of neutering my cat?
Castration prevents the risk of impregnating a female cat. It can also lower the risk of Feline immunodeficiency virus (cat AIDS) and Feline leukaemia virus. Neutering prevents the risk of testicular tumours and prostatic problems
Furthermore, neutering can reduce the tendency to roam in search of a mate and reduce the spraying of urine and territorial behaviours. It can also reduce the risk of disease through fighting e.g. cat bite abscesses.
What is cat neutering?
Cat or kitten neutering is a short surgical procedure where both testicles are carefully removed. The procedure is performed quickly under general anaesthetic and takes roughly half an hour.
What age can my kitten be neutered?
Kittens become sexually mature at a very young age, so it is usually recommended male cats are neutered from 4 months onwards. However, if you adopt or rescue an older cat the surgery can be performed in adulthood.
What is the recovery time after cat neutering?
After your cat has been neutered, it will need rest at home for the next few days to ensure proper healing. We usually see that cats can return to normal exercise and routine in 5-7 days.
Female Cat Spaying
What are the benefits of spaying my cat?
Spaying female cats prevents the risk of unwanted pregnancy and phantom pregnancies as well as preventing risk associated with mammary tumour and uterus infections.
What is kitten spaying?
Cat spaying is the removal of both the uterus and ovaries.
What age can my kitten be spayed?
The spaying procedure can be completed around 5-6 months of age.
What is the recovery time after cat spaying?
We recommend at least 2 weeks rest and recovery time is required for females. We will advise you on how best to care for your cat including pain relief and a check-up appointment. It is best to keep them indoors during the recovery period to keep a close eye on them.
Spread the cost of essential healthcare for your pet
Receive 10% off neutering with Pet Health for Life plan.
Pet Health for Life Plan at Blacks Vets covers your pet’s vaccinations, annual health check, microchipping and 2 vet consults and 2 nurse consults per year. Our plan gives you peace of mind that your pet is receiving the best preventative healthcare, including a 10% discount on neutering.
Find your nearest Blacks Vets in the West Midlands to book a neutering appointment:
Click on the links below to find out more.
