Cats

Spaying female cats:

Cats can be spayed from four months of age. Prior to spaying your cat should have a health check with the vet to ensure she is healthy and they are happy for the procedure to go ahead. There is no benefit to your cat of having a litter before she is spayed.

 

The main advantages of spaying your cat include:

• Stops your cat having unwanted pregnancies
• Stops the development of cancer of the ovaries and uterus
• Stops her from coming into ‘season’ frequently

 

Castrating male cats:

Cats can be castrated from four months of age.  Prior to castration your cat should have a health check with the vet to ensure he is healthy and they are happy for the procedure to go ahead.

 

The advantages of castration:

• Prevents him from fathering unwanted kittens
• Makes him less likely to fight with other cats and therefore reduces his chance of getting feline AIDs (FIV) which is spread by bites
• Less likely to spray urine in the house

Dogs

Spaying your female dog:

Your bitch can be spayed three months after her first season, some animals are spayed before their first season but please discuss the advantages and disadvantages of doing this with your vet. Prior to being spayed your dog should undergo a routine health check with the vet.

 

Advantages of spaying your dog:

• Stops her from having unwanted puppies
• Reduces her chances of developing breast cancer
• Prevents pyometra – a life threatening infection in the uterus

 

Castrating your male dog:

Your dog can be castrated anytime from six months of age. We advise you to wait until your dog is fully grown – this may be much later than six months for larger breeds. Prior to being castrated your dog should undergo a routine health check with the vet.

 

The advantages of castrating your dog:

• Prevents him roaming to find females in season
• Prevents testicular cancer
• Reduces the risk of prostate cancer
• In some cases it can help reduce aggression
• Prevents him from fathering unwanted puppies

Rabbits

Spaying female rabbits:

Female rabbits can be spayed from four months of age. Prior to spaying, your rabbit should have a health check with your vet.

 

The advantages of spaying your rabbit:

• Prevents uterine and ovarian cancer
• Stops your rabbit having unwanted litters and allows her to live with other rabbits

 

Castrating male rabbits:

Male rabbits can be castrated from around three months of age. Prior to castrating your rabbit should have a health check with your vet.

 

The advantages of castrating your rabbit:

• Help to reduce urine spraying and aggression
• Allows your rabbit to live with other rabbits without unwanted pregnancies