Should I Spay or Neuter My Cat or Dog? Expert advice from a pet expert - including the best time to get it done

All pet owners will have to decided whether to spay or neuter their pet. | Canva/Getty Images

Taking our beloved pet to the vet to be spayed or neutered can be a worrying time.

February marks 'Spay and Neutering Awareness Month', to highlight the benefits - and drawbacks - of the common vet procedure.

Catrin George, animal wellbeing specialist at cat and dog insurance provider, Animal Friends Pet Insurance has shared everything you need to know before getting your dog or cat neutered or spayed, including: the pros and cons, when they can be neutered, what's involved in the process, and the likely variables on cost.

Here’s what she had to say.

What is neutering?

Your cat or dog will undergo different operations when they are neutered, depending on whether they’re male or female. The males are castrated, which means their testicles are removed and the females are spayed, where the ovaries and uterus (womb) are removed.

When the male’s testicles are removed it takes away the main source of testosterone, which means the effects of the hormone are also reduced, while removing a female’s uterus means she is unable to become pregnant.

These operations are performed under general anaesthesia and pets will be carefully monitored during and after surgery. Dogs and cats might experience some discomfort following the surgery, but they will be given painkillers to help control this, and they’ll be back to normal before you know it.

Why should I get my pet neutered?

Importantly, having your pet neutered can help prevent your pet from developing serious health issues in the future, like certain cancers or pyometra, a serious infection in the uterus. In dogs and cats, neutering also greatly reduces the risk of mammary (breast) cancers occurring as well.

Additionally, neutering your pet can reduce their drive to roam to look for a mate. Not only does this prevent unwanted pregnancies but your pet is also likely to stay closer to home, meaning they have less of a chance to go missing or be involved in road traffic accidents.

In male dogs, castration will significantly reduce the incidence of prostate disease and it also makes it less likely they will show aggression towards other dogs. For cats, learned behaviours like urine spraying or mounting are likely to stay unless addressed by an accredited behaviourist. However, the urine smell from male cats can go away after castration, and early neutering can have a positive impact on your cat’s behaviour.

When should I get my pet neutered?

Dogs can be neutered from six months old, and some vets recommend letting a female dog have their first season before the procedure. This is something you can discuss with your vet and decide together on the most appropriate neutering plan for your pet, taking into account other factors like size and breed too - as for some breeds, you may be advised to wait a while before they have the procedure.

Cats may be neutered from around four months old, and whilst it’s recommended to get your cat neutered earlier rather than later, they can be neutered at any age after four months. It’s recommended not to let your cat outside until they’re neutered as one female cat and her offspring can produce 370,000 kittens in just seven years.”

What happens to my pet after they’re neutered?

As your pet’s calorie intake requirements fall after being neutered, many owners notice that their pet gains weight after spaying. To avoid issues such as obesity, it’s important to make sure you change their diet accordingly by reducing portion sizes.

You will be able to speak to your vet about their diet and daily calories after surgery so that your cat or dog can remain healthy.

For dogs, maintaining cleanliness and dryness after they’re neutered is key alongside using a mild, pet-safe antiseptic to clean the area as recommended by your vet. It’s advised to avoid bathing your dog until your vet gives you the go-ahead and it's a good idea to restrict any physical activity for your dog until advised otherwise.

Most cats will need to rest for at least a few days after the surgery until they’ve recovered fully. Your cat will need to wear a cone, inflatable recovery collar, or vet-approved body suit to stop them from licking their incision and prevent infections, too. During the first 24 hours, your vet may recommend giving your cat small amounts of water, and half a portion of their food, to lessen the risk of vomiting.

It is also a good idea to keep a clean litter box available in an easy-to-reach location, so your cat doesn’t have to climb or move too far and you can also use shredded paper instead of cat litter, to prevent dust and dirt from irritating them. If your cat is prone to adventure when they shouldn’t be, consider using a suitably sized crate to keep them safe.”

How much does neutering cost?

The cost of neutering will vary depending on whether you have a cat or a dog, and their gender. The size of your dog is also a factor considered in pricing the procedure for dogs and you will be able to check with your vet beforehand. However the average cost for a dog is around £273, but can go up to £760, while costs for cats can be anywhere up to £175. There are however initiatives, such as via Cats Protection, which help reduce the cost of the service if you qualify on certain grounds. In any case, bringing up a litter of puppies is an expensive business – and feeding these extra mouths alone can far exceed the cost of neutering.

Whatever you decide, it’s important to discuss the options and advice with your vet to determine what’s best for you and your dog or cat.