I just dropped off one of my outside females to be spayed, I have three more to be spayed and I am really nervous about her and the others behavior when we return home tomorrow. I need some comforting, I think. This all started with two ferrel female cats and I kept two kittens, one from each mother, and placed the other kittens with good homes. But I can't continue letting them have babies every time I turn around. I live out in the country so all of my outside cats are sort of like really tame barn cats. My fear is how are they going to react to being fixed and outside. I have also heard that some tom cats may try to hurt them once they can no longer reproduce. I need some words of wisdom or someone that has been there done that. Any advice will be greatly appreciated.
2007-11-01 02:08:02 · 8 answers · asked by kim_tma 3 in Pets ➔ Cats
I'm confident that they will be just fine, so please don't be nervous. I work with a volunteer group here in my home town, and I foster lost and feral kittens/mother cats. Have been doing this for several years along with many rescues. We have 5 feral colonies that we look after throughout the city, and we've done alot of TNR (Trap-Neuter/Spay-Release) and we've never observed any strange behavior in the males or the females after being neutered or spayed. And I have never heard or seen any tom cats turn on a female just because she is now spayed. Rest assured, you ARE doing the right thing for your outdoor cats. I think you are doing an awesome job, and bless you for caring for these cats!!
2007-11-01 02:19:18 · answer #1 · answered by Racer 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Tom cats will not try to hurt them, just because they are fixed. TOm cats may try to mate with them, but the female most likely won't be interested and won't let them. THey'll slap the tom and send him on his merry way.
I highly reccomend keeping them inside or in a safe environment (like a garage) for a week after the surgery. If you can possibly avoid putting them outside before their wound has a chance to heal, it will be much better for them. BUt after a week.. they can go back to their normal life.. you should have no concerns..
One other thing you can expect.. If the cats are fixed at different times.. the cats at home will hiss at the cat that just got fixed.. this is because the cat who just got fixed will smell wrong, and the others won't be sure if it is their friend or a strange cat. After a couple days they'll smell like their old self, and they'll all be friends again.
But you are doing th right thing. A neutered cat can live outside.. Just keep them inside or in a garage or some protected environment for about a week.. that would be great if you could...
2007-11-01 09:42:16 · answer #2 · answered by Shelly P. Tofu, E.M.T. 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Having had a number of females spayed- and one of them done with a male cat in the house- I can understand your concern.
I solved the problem with the male cat by having him fixed at the same time.
Don't worry about the girls. And if you have trouble with stray toms coming around, get traps and catch them so they won't be a problem for you and the girls.
You're doing just fine.
2007-11-01 09:22:38 · answer #3 · answered by Tigger 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I've never had any problem with having my barn cats spayed. The tom cats don't seem to act any differently towards them. Hoped you thought to check with your vet about a possible barn cat discount. Some vets will give you a discount on neutering, spaying and shots for barn cats.
2007-11-01 09:20:33 · answer #4 · answered by judy b 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
well that is true about the toms but also they may have no intrest in her once they cant smaell the scent of when they go into heat.Your cats will be sore and should not go outside till there stitches heal at least a week to insure of infection and other things.Your cats have been outside cats for this long they will adapt to there change just fine i wouldnt worry if i was you.
2007-11-01 09:32:40 · answer #5 · answered by SADIE R 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
She will be fine, but you need to keep her inside until everything heals. (I am actually an advocate of keeping them inside at all times so they don't get beaten up by other animals, but I am also in the city and I understand the difference.) Keeping her inside will keep her from getting too active and potentially ripping out her stitches. It will also allow you to keep a better eye on her for any problems she might be having, and will make it easier for you to make sure she is getting adequate food and water.
Good for you for getting them spayed!
2007-11-01 09:25:14 · answer #6 · answered by Esma 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'd quit letting them outside. I live in a rural area also, but wouldn't think of letting my cat outside even if she has claws. Too many other wild animals can get her, not to mention traffic.
She won't react any differently to being spayed. They adapt. But I don't believe that responsible pet owners let their pets roam outside unattended. Rural area or otherwise.
2007-11-01 09:18:50 · answer #7 · answered by Big Bear 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
other cats might act funny for a while as she will smell of vets,she will be OK,make sure they don't get her stitches,could you leave on own for day when you pick up as be really sleepy
2007-11-01 09:14:16 · answer #8 · answered by sky 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋