Spaying or Neutering Your Ragdoll Cat
Jul 27th, 2006 by Rob
Spaying (ovariohysterectomy) is the surgical removal of the uterus and ovaries from the abdomen your Ragdoll cat. Spaying is permanent method of preventing female cats from having kittens. Cats that are spayed no longer experience heat cycles; female Ragdoll cats normally come into heat several times a year.
Spaying also ends several problems associated with the heat cycle, including spraying urine and the necessity of confining females to prevent pregnancy. Spaying also prevents irritations such as a howling Ragdoll cat in heat at two in the morning.
The risks of certain cancers are greatly reduced if your cat is spayed before its first heat. Spayed pets cannot develop a serious uterine infection called pyometra.
• Will my Ragdoll Cat Gain Weight?
Your Ragdoll cat will not gain weight if you provide a balanced diet and encourage regular exercise.
• Should cats have at least one litter before being spayed?
No, your Ragdoll cat does not need to have a litter of kittens to mature.
• What is Neutering?
Neutering (surgical castration) is the removal of the testicles from the scrotum of your cat.
• What is the purpose of neutering?
Neutering is the primary method of sterilizing male Ragdoll cats.
• What are other benefits of neutering?
Neutering an immature cat usually prevents development of mating behaviors and the obnoxious habit of spraying urine to mark territory around the house.
An unaltered Ragdoll cat cannot control its mating instincts. Given the freedom to wander your cat may become hurt or lost, and is almost certain to be responsible for unwanted litters. Humane Societies cannot place all unwanted animals; millions must be put to sleep. Countless others are abandoned and end up in landfills.