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PET PASSION
Caring for your cat
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Tips to keep your cat happy and healthy
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STERILISATION IS an operation to prevent reproduction in animals. It prevents pregnancy in females and reduces aggression in males.
Why should a cat be sterilised?
A female cat comes into heat or estrus two or three times a year. Allowing her to breed adds to the problem of multiplication of cats. It also leads to potential health problems such as pyometra. Pyometra means pus in the uterine cavity.
If a pet is spayed, the uterus and ovaries are removed so there's no chance of developing pyometra. Also spaying can prevent breast cancer and nutritional deficiency. In males, sterilisation leads to reduced wanderings and fights. By contrast, a sterilised male is more affectionate and gentle, making a better companion.
What are the signs one should look for to know that a cat is in heat?
Cats exhibit strange behaviour when they are in heat.
*Rolling on the floor and rubbing against objects. Cats often rub their head or neck on objects as well.
*Flexing the claws and stretching may accompany the rolling.
*As estrus progresses, the female starts a strange howling that can go on for several minutes at a time. A strong desire to escape the house may develop.
*Some cats follow their owners around persistently when in heat.
Which is the best time to sterilise a cat? The best time for surgery is after a pet reaches sexual maturity, which ensures that the neuro-endocrine system of the cat is not affected and allows full development of a normal adult body shape. Most females reach this point at age 6 to 8 months and most males at 9 to 12 months.
If a cat has newborn kittens, when should it be sterilised? The kittens need to be with the mother for at least eight weeks for a healthy growth. Once the kittens reach this stage, you can bring the mother for surgery. But the feline distemper vaccine can be given at any time. You may consult your vet.
Should a cat have a litter first? Medical evidence suggests just the opposite. In fact, females spayed before their first heat are typically healthier. Remember a sterilised cat is a happy and healthy cat!
Keep sending pictures, queries and suggestions to bci@bluecross.org.in
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