Small Talk - Spring 2019

Kitten Care Should I Neuter my Kitten? Neutering is typically done at 6 months old and is a routine surgical procedure which involves removing the testicles of a male cat or the uterus of a female cat. It is a surgery performed regularly by vets and has many benefits. Males: Neutering reduces the chances of your tom cat spraying in the house. A neutered tom cat will be less likely to get into fights with rival males which can injure your cat and spread diseases such as FIV. It also reduces wandering behaviour. Unneutered males often wander many miles in search of a mate which increases the risk of them getting lost or getting into an accident on the roads. Females: An unneutered female cat and her kittens can be responsible for producing thousands of kittens. A female cat becomes fertile at 6 months and can have up to 3 litters a year so neutering is a must if your pet is going to be allowed outside where they may meet other cats. What to expect: Neutering is a routine procedure and your pet can typically go home on the same day that they have the surgery. They will be sent home with pain relief and may initially be a bit sleepy from the anesthetic. You will need to keep your kitten quiet after the surgery and female cats will be seen for a post surgery check up a few days after the operation to check that she is healing well. Insurance You should consider pet insurance for your kitten in case they become ill or need long term veterinary treatment in the future. Insurance will mean that you can provide the best quality care for your ill pet without the worry of money. Your vet can advise you on what to look for in an insurance policy. You should look for a policy that l Provides adequate veterinary fee cover - remember an illness or accident can cost hundreds or thousands of pounds! ● Has life-long cover for your pet ● Does not have a limit on how long you can claim for each illness.