A stray tom cat has adopted my wife and myself. He follows us all around the yard. It doesn't hurt that we always keep food on our front porch for him. He is very loveable and we would like to bring him the house this winter. But we want to have him neutered first. I am not sure how old he is , but he not not a young cat. Is this still safe to have done?
2006-10-20 13:31:06 · 21 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Cats
Yes, it is most likely safe to have this cat neutered. However it would be best to have the cat examined by your local vet. first. Having been a stray there are several feline virus that he could have contracted. These can be tested for, along with running a general CBC and chemistry to make sure all internal organs are functioning optimally. The other considerations for you and your wife's health are vaccinations esp Rabies and parasite control.
If you are neutering to alleviate chances of spraying. This may not cure that. Spraying is a behavioral response that may not be changed.
Hope that helps.
2006-10-20 13:55:21 · answer #1 · answered by Cassandra K 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
As a cat owner for over 40 years I can tell you that YES, by all means have him neutered!
When you take him in to the vet they will be able to tell you a LOT about the condition of the cat, an 'educated' estimate of his age, whether or not surgery is safe for the cat's condition/age and what preparations you need to do before and after surgery.
Thank you so very much for giving this kitty a good home!!! I'm glad you have the sense to want to bring him in for the winter since cats are so prone to frostbite. I'm also happy that you want him neutered. Not only will this cut down on spraying territory with time, depending on how old the cat is, but it will also take him out of the pet overpopulation loop!
Thank you again for your kindness and concern. GOOD LUCK!!!
2006-10-20 13:59:46 · answer #2 · answered by x_southernbelle 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Congrats on the new family member!! I have taken in many strays in my life and here's my piece of advice. Take the kitty to the vet. They will most likely be able to tell his age by looking at the teeth (thats how they do it for dogs anyway). Not only it is a good idea to find out his age, but you'll also be able to get the kitty a full check-up, deworming, and any shots that the vet may recommend. As for the neutering, it is possible to have older cats neutered, but I personally wouldn't recommend it because he will have a longer recovery time than say a baby kitten would have. And who wants their kitty to be in pain...they don't have pain killers for that! Hope that helped you out and have fun with the cat!
2006-10-20 14:42:05 · answer #3 · answered by Christel P 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Anytime any aged cat goes under anesthesia there is a risk. It is true that neutering can prevent prostate, but does it really make sense at this stage. Cats generally live up to 20 years, so with the surgery you could get 8+ healthy years. However, he might never develop prostate problems, so it's really up to you. If you decide to get him neutered make sure to get a full blood panel to check for any sensitivites/allergies. Good luck!
2016-05-22 06:16:31 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
An older cat can be spay/neutered. It will cost more. If it is a senior cat, 8-12 yrs I'm not sure if a vet could/would but if it was possible at that age it could be risky for their health, body and mind. You should take him to the vet to find out roughly how old he is.
2006-10-20 14:38:24 · answer #5 · answered by Kitty 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would say yes.
If you bring the cat to the vet, sometimes they can tell the age. If they can't, they would be able to let you know whether or not they think it's safe.
I'm fairly confident that you can even get a 5yr old cat neutered.
Blessings & best of luck with your new friend!!!
2006-10-20 13:34:05 · answer #6 · answered by MALicious 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
yes at any age, but bloodwork should be done to make sure his kidneys, liver, thyroid, and blood count are in good condition. He also should be tested for FELV/FIV. thats done by blood as well. If he has a heart murmur that another risk for the surgery, but neutering can be done at any age as long as the animal is in good health. Goodluck!
2006-10-20 13:56:04 · answer #7 · answered by cherrydevil119 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes I have a 18 year old Simeese that was given to me when he was 8 and I had him nuetered. He is doing great and hopefully will keep doing so.
2006-10-20 14:42:13 · answer #8 · answered by bethann1065 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Call your local humane society and they can tell you exactly what you can or can't do and also give you a place that may neuter for little to nothing
2006-10-20 13:37:18 · answer #9 · answered by Ms. Goose 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it can be done, but sometimes older male cats do not take to fixing too well. He might get a little upset.
2006-10-20 17:58:17 · answer #10 · answered by hello_kitty_2004 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋