Should I get her fixed?

Question

I have a 4 year old female cat name Squeak. She is an inside cat. Freaks out at the thought of going out doors. Everyone is hounding me about getting her fixed. I don't see the reasoning behind it considering she only comes in heat 3 times a year and it only last 4 days tops. She is not on of the annoying cats who howls and makes god awful noises. She is fairly normal with the exception that she wants to cuddle on your feet. Fixing a female cat is a lil more complicated then a male and it is an actual surgery they have to do. I lost one cat after getting her fixed from a staff infection and tho I know that is rare I just don't see the need to put her thur something like that if I dont have to. I have no other cats in the house and I don't plan on getting another cat. I would consider it if it was for health reason or if I did get a male cat but should I stick to my gun and tell them to bugger off because it is MY CAT or I am being unreasonable.

Answer 1

First, I have to say that I absolutely love the name Squeak.
Second, it sounds like you don't really need to get her spayed.
BUT as it has been mentioned, a spayed female has zero risk of pyometra, and a reduced chance of mammary tumors--altho, since she is 4 yrs, spaying her now will not greatly reduce that risk of tumors like it would have if she were spayed at 6 months for example. It will also prevent the discomfort that she may feel from going into heat constantly--you know how those hormones can be!. Also, I'm surprised that you don't have stray toms hanging around--even if the female's indoors those males can usually smell her for miles!
I am so sorry to hear about your other cat dying. I would suggest IF you do decide to get Squeak spayed take her to a different vet! :) There are unscrupulous vets out there--but most are very good.
Good luck no matter what you decide.

Answer 2

Well, if she gets a uterine infection, called a pyometria, she will need to be spayed as an emergency. It is a far riskier surgery and they can become septic and die. If they are not spayed, each year the chance of a pyo increases. Not to mention the risk of mammary tumors, which are almost always cancer.

I work at a cat shelter spay and neuter clinic and we spay about 40 cats per week. In the 5 years we have been doing it, we have not had even one death. It is the most common surgery preformed by vets.

If you want to take the least risk, go to a big vet hospital with all the state of the art equipment. Get the pre-surgical blood work.
All this will cost of course. You may be looking at $300. Or a spay clinic that can do it for $40-50, whithout the bells and whistles.
If you have to have it done as an emergency as a pyo, you could be looking at $500 and up.
It really is the best thing to do.

Answer 3

Your cat sounds like a sweetie. Yes, you should get her spayed for health reasons. It would have been best if you had it done during her first year. It may help prevent mammary or breast cancer. Since spaying entails removing the ovaries and uterus she will not be susceptible to uterine infections or of having tumors in the ovaries and uterus. Also when she goes into heat she will no longer attract males to the house, and she may become calmer.

I understand your fear, but it is normally a very safe procedure and the cats do not seem to be uncomfortable for any length of time. Of course that doesn't mean you should not spoil her rotten after the surgery, that is one of the rules of having a cat own you.

Answer 4

It doesn't matter if the cat is an indoor or outdoor cat. Spaying does help your pet's health in regards to preventing some common diseases. & it is the only responsible thing to do. Not to mention allowing your cat to go into heat & not allowing her to do her thing is not very nice & even if she doesn't show it probably very uncomfortable for her. Animals have an overwhelming way of hiding their discomfort from us.

I am sorry for the loss of your other pet, but that as you said was a very rare complication. You really should get your kitty spayed, because even though nothing has happened yet, I know of many who have an un-spayed kitty excape & come home pregnant. & those people are always sorry that they did not spay or nueter earlier. It's better safe than sorry.

Answer 5

cats can get mammary cancer so the more times she goes into heat the more her risk increases, it also is very hard on a cat to go into heat and also increases her risk of a pyometra which is a very severe infection in the uterus. The only way to "cure" a pyometra is surgery and at that point it would be a dangerous surgery because it can make your cat VERY sick. so getting her spayed would just make her a better cat over all. so if you feel like putting up with the heat cycles and don't care about the general health of your cat then don't get her spayed.

Answer 6

You sound like you know what you want. There is a huge pet over population but if your girl only stays inside, I agree with you that she's probably OK. Why put her through the stress and discomfort of surgery if there's no need for it. You're the one who has to put up with her being in heat...not anyone else and it doesn't seem to bother you... so yeah, tell them to bugger off and if they really want to fix a cat, tell them to get their own!!!
Good luck!

Answer 7

Yes. if you talk to your vet he will tell you of the health reasons. it will also make your cat more comfortable instead of going into heat. But do it for the health reasons. Yes infections can happen and also problems from being anesthetized but both are truly rare and worth the risk.
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Answer 8

Tell them to bugger off. But, my personal opinion would be for the protection of your cat, to get her fixed. She really does suffer when she goes into heat. Also, she could accidentally get out and become pregnant. Just go with your own instincts.

Answer 9

Barring complications from surgery, spaying prevents uterine and ovarian cancers, and overall extends the life of your furry friend. I also have an indoor cat, but I spayed her in the small-chance event she somehow gets outside. Like you said though, she's your cat.

Answer 10

Instinct tells your cat to breed; despite your best intentions, there is still the possibility that she will get out, especially while she's in heat. If you have her spayed, she will be much less likely to want to go out. In addition, spaying your cat will generally give her a much longer life, and GREATLY lessen the chances of reproductive tract cancers. It is your decision, of course, but since you have asked for opinions, my vote is for spaying.