Cat neutering
Neutering is a routine operation that can dramatically improve the life and health of your pet. For girls,this is known as spaying and for the boys, castration. Neutering your pet can have many health benefits and research has shown that neutered animals live longer. At Rescue Me, we promote cat neutering from 9 weeks of age and believe cats should be neutered by 4 months old. This leads to a decrease in the number of unwanted, sick and poorly litters and reduces some problematic behaviour in adults.
We recommend keeping your cats indoors until they are neutered, microchipped, and vaccinated. Which cats can we help with?
Owned cats
Stray cats (if suitable efforts have been made to find an owner)
Feral cats through our trap, neuter, release (TNR) scheme
Advice is available if barriers are preventing the neutering of a cat. If you are unsure of what to do, please call us at the rescue on 07952 017 696. Please leave a voicemail and as much information as you can so we can deal with your enquiry as quickly as possible.
Females
Females undergo an ovariohysterectomy (ovario – ovary; hyster – womb; ectomy – removal). The operation involves administering a general anaesthetic, so the cat is completely asleep and unable to feel pain. They also receive a long-lasting anti-inflammatory injection when discharge to make sure they are comfortable at home. A patch is shaved on their side or under their tummy with a small wound in the middle. At Rescue Me, we used ‘intradermal’ sutures which means there are no visible stitches.
These sit underneath the skin and reduce the likelihood of wound interference and post-operative complications.
During the operation, both ovaries and the uterine horns are removed. This means the cat will not be able to have any litters or come into season.
Advantages: eliminates the risk of ovarian and uterine cancer, no chance of life-threatening womb infections (pyometra), reduced vocalization as no longer able to come into season, no longer able to have litters of kittens, prevents roaming away from home.
Males
The operation for males is much simpler and involves the removal of both testicles. Often there will be no stitches and the operation is performed under general anaesthetic so the cat does not feel any pain. They also receive a long-lasting anti-inflammatory injection when discharge to make sure they are comfortable at home.
Sometimes, one or both testicles does not descend fully. This is known as ‘cryptorchid.’ In these cats, we wait to see if the testicles descend on their own and recall cats at 6 months of age. If the testicle is not visible by then, the operation to find it is slightly more invasive, often as they are positioned in the inguinal canal or abdomen. It is important to neuter cryptorchid males, as retained testicles have a higher likelihood of becoming cancerous and twist around causing pain, all whilst still being able to impregnant entire female cats.
Advantages: less likely to roam, reduces urine spraying and scent marking, unable to mate with multiple females and produce many litters of unwanted kittens, reduces the likelihood of testicular cancers and prostate issues, no or less fighting with other neighbourhood cats.
How we help with access to neutering services at Rescue Me:
In 2020, the world was adapting to cope with public health restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many services stopped, including routine preventive veterinary health care. This impacted on our rescue as we always ensure the animals we rehome have received a full package of preventive healthcare. This includes being neutered, microchipped, vaccinated, and treatment for internal and external parasites. We had no access to these services in the pandemic, so had to think of a way we could continue to help animals in Merseyside as our life saving rescue work did not stop.
The veterinary industry faced large workforce shortages, large waiting lists, and a cut back on preventive services due to prioritisation for the sick and injured animals. We decided to open our very own on-site veterinary room in May 2021 as our rescue work was not limited by capacity, but availability for preventive treatments. This specially designed room allowed us to continue our work in memory of local vet Megan Brannigan. Megan was involved with Rescue Me from the start and very dedicated to rescue work, we felt it only right to continue her legacy.
We rely on volunteer vets to give up their time to help us in our clinic and were able to employ a part- time registered veterinary nurse in September 2021. All our procedures are carried out by RCVS registered vets (MRCVS) and nurses (RVN) on our RCVS registered premises.
Does your cat need to be neutered?
We take enquiries online and via phone for cat neutering. If you would like to be added to our low-cost cat neutering waiting list:
1. Please call 07952 017 696 and leave a voicemail.
2. Fill in this online form.
Once we have received your enquiry, a member of staff will contact you via telephone to discuss booking your cat in at a mutually convenient time.
Our site is based at the main rescue headquarters in Melling (L31 1AR). Cats should be brought to our site by appointment only in a secure cat carrier.
How much does it cost?
Our price varies depending on personal circumstances. We do not have any eligibility criteria as we want every cat owner to be able to access affordable neutering. One of our team will give you a call to discuss your circumstances. The maximum anyone will have to pay for a cat to be neutered and microchipped is
£60.
Payment must be made via Paypal on booking your appointment slot. Unfortunately, we have had many owners not turn up with their cats so payment must be made to secure your space.
Payment can be made via the Paypal website www.paypal.com and sent via the family and friends option to info@rescume.org.uk – please put your cat’s name and date of operation on as reference. You can also download the Paypal app in the app store on Apple Store or Google Play.
What do I need to do before the operation?
- Transport
You will need to ensure you have transportation to our clinic. If you struggle with transport, we may be able to help with this. Do let our staff know when they contact you that you may have problems with this.
- Secure carrier
You need to make sure you have a secure cat carrier that is not broken and does not allow your pet to escape. We may be able to help with spare carriers if needed, let a member of our staff know when they contact you to discuss your requirements and book your cat in for neutering.
- Keep your cat inside
Your cat must be kept indoors the night before their operation to prevent them going missing and wasting a neutering slot.
- Food and water
Cats older than 4 months old can be starved from midnight the night before their operation, they should not be given any breakfast. Cats and kittens younger than 16 weeks old can be given a small meal (teaspoon) at 6am. All cats can have access to fresh water until they are placed in their carrier to come to the clinic.
Top tips for getting your cat into a carrier and transporting your cat to the clinic. Cats can become stressed very easily in unfamiliar places like the car, or with unfamiliar smells. There are some things you can do to help your cat feel less stressed when they must come into the clinic.
Carriers can be scary for cats, especially if they are not used to travelling in one. It can be tempting to allow your cat to roam free in your car, but this can be very dangerous and is illegal as they are not properly contained.
A few days before the operation, we recommend bringing your carrier inside the house and allowing your cat to investigate it. Top opening carriers can be useful for cats that are more reluctant to enter.
Using a calming, synthetic pheromone spray such as Pet Remedy or Feliway on a soft blanket inside the carrier can help reduce stress.
Covering your cat’s carrier with a blanket or towel can help keep them calm whilst the car is moving.Cats prefer to hide in dark spaces, so this is a good way to reduce stress in the car. Also make sure the carrier is unable to move in transit. Making sure they have a seatbelt attached around the carrier can prevent the cat becoming scared through unexpected movement.
International Cat Care have a series of videos that can help your cat get used to their carrier and top tips for transportation:
- Putting your cat in a cat carrier https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yhz3V4i3wH4
- Cat carrier training (part 1) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mM2BXLJkLhc
- Cat carrier training (part 2) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wtRCxysZEro
- Cat carrier training (part 3) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVH31RWfwzg
- Getting your cat used to travel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtFtExXVsX4
What happens on the morning of the operation?
Your cat must be dropped off at 9am at Rescue Me Animal Sanctuary, Bells Farm, L31 1BA (next to Carla Lane).
Include map of sanctuary location?
On arrival at the sanctuary, ring the bell at the gate and someone will let your car into our car park. Cars must not be parked on the lane, as this prevents flow of traffic, especially the large volume of tractors that pass by our site each day.
You should stay in your car and listen to all directions from the staff member in the car park. Do not approach the gates or interact with the animals on site, the majority of them are with us as they cannot be rehomed and they do not enjoy contact with strangers.
You will be required to go through a consent form with our vet nurse, read it thoroughly and sign it. You will be given the opportunity to ask any questions you may have. Please be aware that there may be a small wait if there is a queue of people. Our vet nurse will then take your cat inside our vet room, and you are free to drive through the gates. Pick up is usually around 3pm.
What happens at the clinic?
Female cats are given a sedation and general anaesthetic for a spay operation, sometimes called an ovariohysterectomy. You cat will have a small, shaved patch on either their side or tummy. Under anaesthetic, your cat will have her ovaries and uterus surgically removed. This means they will not come into season anymore and be unable to have babies. Neutered female cats live longer and happier lives.
Male cats are also given a sedation and general anaesthetic for a castration operation. Under anaesthetic, your cat will have their testicles surgically removed. Your cat will not have any stitches.
Neutered male cats are less likely to roam, mark their territory, fight with other males and smell a lot better!
What happens after the operation?
You will receive an aftercare sheet after your pet’s operation. Be sure to keep them inside for at least 3 days afterwards for males and 10 days for females. Give your pet access to fresh water and food. Give them a quiet place to rest away from any other pets, children, loud noises etc.
**** Rescue Me are not responsible for any complications as a result of surgery. By signing the consent form, you agree that any financial and veterinary treatment are your financial responsibility****
Registering your cat with a vet:
We recommend you register your pet with a vet, in case any emergencies arise. You can choose your own vets, and we can even send your pet’s clinical history to your vet after they have been neutered. Many vets allow you to register online, or phone your chosen clinic up to discuss registering all of your pets. Some vets may also have their own out of hours emergency clinic.
If you are in receipt of income support, you may be eligible for free or reduced cost treatment at one of two PDSA hospitals in Liverpool. Eligibility depends on the type of income support you receive and your postcode. You can check eligibility here: www.pdsa.org.uk/eligibility
If you do not have a vet and need one in an emergency, the following vets can be contacted:
- VetsNow Liverpool
- Alder
- Barn Lodge
How can you help us with community cat neutering?
You can help us spread the word about our community cat neutering clinic. We have no eligibility criteria and anyone is able to use our service to access lower cost neutering.
Please recommend us to your family and friends who are in need of our services. Ask them to call 07952 017 696 and leave a voicemail.
Engage with the local community as much as possible to spread positive welfare messages. If you work
with the public, consider downloading our neuter poster to display in your workplace. They can also be
placed on community noticeboards, in schools, youth groups, waiting rooms etc. The poster can be
downloaded here.
FAQs
When is the best age to neuter my cat?
Historically cats were neutered from 6 months old, however, recent studies have shown there are no
long-term side effects of neutering even earlier, by 4 months old. At Rescue Me, we neuter kittens from
9 weeks old. This has many benefits, including being easier to keep warm, higher willingness to eat after
their anaesthetic, and they can even be kept with their litter mates to play, reduce stress and offer
comfort during veterinary visits.
How much does it cost?
Price of our cat neuter operations is the same for males and females. The price you will be charged
depends on your personal circumstances, such as if you are on a low income or receive other types
income support. We have no eligibility criteria, so even if you do not receive any benefits we can still
help with low-cost cat neutering. We will be happy to provide prices when you leave a voicemail to be
added to our waiting list.
Why do you ask for payment first?
We ask for payment first to secure your space. We have unfortunately had many people not turn up on
the morning of their cat’s operation. Each space costs us over £80, and as a small charity this can add up
very quickly, especially if owners have two or more cats.
How do I use Paypal?
We ask for payment prior to securing your appointment space and the most secure way to do this is
Paypal. If you do not use the Paypal app, it can be downloaded on the Apple Store or Google Play. You
will have to make an account that links to your bank account. You can also visit the Paypal website at:
www.paypal.com
I suspect my female cat may be pregnant, can she still be neutered?
If your cat is early on in their pregnancy, if they have had a litter recently (within the last 3 months), or if
they have any health conditions affecting their overall health status, some vets recommend neutering
your pregnant cat is in their best interests. Repeated pregnancies can take a huge toll on your cat’s
body, and the presence of some hormones (such as oestrogen and progesterone) can contribute
towards life threatening health conditions such as pyometra and reproductive cancers. If you would like
any advice, please contact us at the rescue.
How do I look after my cat after being neutered?
After you cat has been neutered with us, we will give you a post operative care sheet to support the
information we give you on looking after they have had their operation. The most important thing is to
keep them warm and indoors, offering fresh water and small meals until bedtime. Try to limit your cat’s
activity levels, and if possible, prevent strenuous exercise such as play time, for the next 3 days
minimum.
Can I still bring my cat in for neutering if I do not have any transport?
We would recommend trying to find a friend or family member to bring you and your cat to the clinic in
a car to reduce noise and overall stress when being transported to the clinic. We may be able to provide
a transport volunteer in extreme circumstances, please let us know if you are worried about transport or
may not have a reliable way to get to us.
Who can I contact in an emergency?
If your cat needs emergency care after their operation, you should take them to your nearest
emergency vet. If you call your own vet, they will provide an answerphone message with out-of-hours
information in your local area. You will be required to pay for any emergency treatment yourself as
Rescue Me accepts no financial responsibility for any issues that may arise.
My female cat has just had a litter, when can she be spayed?
We recommend that mum cats are neutered once the kittens are fully weaned at 7-8 weeks old. Mum
cats may still produce milk after kittens are weaned. In some cases, neutering a female cat with milk can
increase the chances of developing mastitis, however cats are also able to get pregnant at the same
time as feeding a litter. Please contact us at the rescue for advice if you have a mother cat with kittens
and need neutering assistance.
Will neutering my male cat stop him spraying in my house?
Entire male cats scent mark their territory through spraying urine, however this is not the only reason
cats may spray in your house. Neutering male cats reduces testosterone and the need to scent mark, so
neutering may help if the urine spraying is territory related. Female cats may also spray in some cases.
However, cats can spray if they are poorly, or if they are stressed at home. More information can be
found about stress spraying here: https://icatcare.org/advice/spraying/
We always recommend taking your cat to a vet for a health check if they start urinating around your
home to rule out any underlying health issues.
Does neutering affect their personality?
Neutering reduces sex hormones, and problems associated with them. Neutering will not affect your
cat’s personality, but it may reduce some unwanted behaviour.
Is it best for cats to have one litter before spaying them?
This is a common misconception. There is no benefit to your cat by allowing them to have one litter.
Each litter also increases the risk of health problems, some reproductive cancers and puts a huge strain
on the body. Cats are able to get pregnant whilst nursing a litter, so we recommend neutering them
before they reach 4 months old.
My children want to experience the miracle of birth, will this affect my cat?
Unfortunately there is a lot that can go wrong with a cat pregnancy. So whilst your children may want to
witness kittens being birthed, they may also see upsetting sights too. This includes (but isn’t exclusive
to) dead and malformed kittens, poorly mothers, mastitis, pyometra, and eclampsia. Children may also
stress new mothers out, resulting in a higher likelihood for aggression and an expensive emergency
caesarean.
My male cat can’t get pregnant, so what’s the point?
Entire male cats can roam for miles looking for a female cat. They can become injured by fighting or by
crossing busy roads. Neutering your male cat can reduce the likelihood your pet will fight with others,
spread diseases, or go missing. It is also the responsible thing to do to prevent unnecessary, sick litters
of kittens being born.
My cats are both indoors so do I still need to neuter?
We recommend neutering both male and female indoor cats. Indoor cats still have the same needs as
those allowed outdoors, and they can express the same behaviour. Problematic behaviour such as
spraying, loud vocalization, destructive tendencies and aggression can occur if you allow your indoor
cats to remain entire. Not neutering them can also contribute to an increase in overall stress levels for
your cats.
We receive may calls for advice at the rescue about entire indoor cats that have managed to escape.
Neutering reduces the urge your cat has to escape looking for a mating partner, whilst also providing
peace of mind that they are less likely to roam and go missing looking for a mate. Neutered cats will not
come back pregnant or with diseases spread through fighting.
How do I register my cat with a vet?
Once you have chosen your vet, you can call them up to register your pet. They will ask for information
such as your name, address and contact details, including information on your pet. Many vets now also
have registration forms online. We recommend that all your pets are registered with a vet in case of any
emergencies. They will have their own out-of-hours provider.
Do you have any other questions?
If you have any queries or worries, please contact us at info@rescueme.org.uk or use our Contact Us
form
Useful links
RCVS Find a vet - https://findavet.rcvs.org.uk/find-a-vet-practice/
Kitten Neutering Database - https://cat-kind.org.uk/
Cats Protection Discount Neutering Campaigns - https://www.cats.org.uk/what-we-
do/neutering/neutering-campaigns
International Cat Care: Neutering your cat - https://icatcare.org/advice/neutering-your-cat/
Animal Welfare Foundation: Pre- and post-operative care -
https://www.animalwelfarefoundation.org.uk/animal-welfare-advice/petcare-advice/#pre--post-
operative-care
PDSA Eligibility checker - https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/eligibility
What are feral cats?
“Feral” describes a domesticated species that has returned to living as a wild animal. Feral cats have had
little to no contact with humans, and most importantly have missed out on positive interactions with
humans. They can live alone or in groups known as “colonies.” Colonies of feral cats can be found
everywhere, from rural areas to urbanised towns and cities. Unfortunately, many are as a result of stray
or abandoned domestic cats that have not been neutered and have gone on to have one or more litters
of kittens outside.
You should never try to tame a feral cat as this can be dangerous and damaging for their psychological
and physical health and wellbeing.
Trap, Neuter, Release
‘Trap, Neuter, Release’ also known as TNR. TNR is a humane way to control a feral cat population, and
can greatly benefit both the cats and the local community. TNR programmes should be designed to keep
any contact to a minimum as they can be very dangerous if handled. Any human interaction also causes
fear and distress to these cats, as they are not domesticated so they do not have any positive
associations with humans.
Special trapping equipment is available and should be used by trained individuals with a sound
understanding of feral cat health and welfare, including issues that may arise when working with a
colony.
We sometimes look for homes for outdoor cats, or suitable relocation for feral colonies if they are
unable to be returned to their original environment. Relocation is always a last resort, but if you feel you
may be able to provide a suitable outdoor space (stables, farmland, allotment), please contact us at the
rescue.
Rescue Me may be able to help with advice if you are aware or need help with a feral colony. Please
contact the rescue by emailing info@rescueme.org.uk or leaving a voicemail on 07952017696.
Caring for feral cats
There are many people who like to ensure the health and wellbeing of feral cats, often known as
caregivers or caretakers. Even though they are feral, these cats are still protected under the law and we
should ensure that their five main welfare needs are met as much as possible. These are:
- Suitable environment
- Suitable diet
- Need to exhibit normal behaviour patterns
- Need to be with, or apart from, other animals
- Need to be protected from injury, suffering, and disease
If you know of or are worried about a feral colony, please get in touch by emailing
info@rescueme.org.uk or calling 07952017696 and we will be able to offer advice.
FAQs
What’s the difference between a feral cat and a stray cat?
There is a difference between stray cats and ferals. Ferals tend to shy away from human contact and remain far away, sometimes only being seen at meal times. Stray cats could be straying for many reasons, and this can be complicated. If you are worried about a stray or feral cat, please contact us at the rescue.
There is a stray cat on my road, but they run away when I try to go up to them, what should I do?
It is important to establish whether there still is, or was, an owner for a stray cat. Some cats may allow you to put a paper collar on them, but this can be tricky with cats used to the outdoors. Arrangements should be made to scan the cat for a microchip. If they are friendly, it may be suitable to put them on a rehoming centre waiting list. However, if they are more wary and nervous of humans it is a good idea to leave them in the same area and have designated caretakers.
Why can’t you just take feral cats away and put them somewhere else?
If cats are removed from an area, more cats ‘move in’ and establish their territory. This is known as the ‘vacuum effect.’ Removing feral cats from one area and relocating them to another does not mean a reduction in the overall population of cats in one place, so the best option is to maintain a stable, neutered population.
I’ve found a feral kitten, what can I do?
If the kitten is 8 weeks old or under, rehabilitation can sometimes be successful. Genetics do have a part to play in the socialisation and rehabilitation process. As kittens get older, even by days or weeks, the likelihood that they can be successfully domesticated pets reduces. Some may never reach this stage.
We recommend crating feral kittens to prevent them from hiding, escaping, or becoming frightened and running around the room. The kitten ‘burrito’ method (wrapping in a towel) can offer a sense of security to the kitten and promote positive interactions with humans. If you need advice on rehabilitating feral kittens, please contact the rescue.
My friend rehabilitated an adult feral cat once, why can’t you?
Feral cats have missed out on early, positive interactions with humans and are essentially “wild.”
Containing a feral cat in a domesticated environment subjects them to psychological torment. It may be
tempting to try to rehabilitate a feral, to live a more “normal” cat life, however their “normal” is far
different than our perception of what their life should be. The best, welfare-friendly option for feral cats
is to have a caregiver who can feed them regularly and observe for any illness or injury.
What are the benefits of feral cats to me?
Feral cats can help local communities by keeping the pest population down as they are prolific hunters.
They can be a useful addition to any community if managed properly, with best welfare practices in mind. A stable population of feral cats also prevents other un-neutered cats from ‘moving in.’
Can you look after a feral cat whilst they recover from an injury?
Feral cats should not be contained longer than 24 hours as this can cause severe psychological torture.
They are not used to humans, or confinement, so they should be given basic first aid treatment and released as soon as possible. Unfortunately, in cases of severe illness or injury, euthanasia should be considered due to severe pain, infection, and reduced quality of life if released.
Useful links
Cats Protection Feral Guide - https://www.cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/lost-found-and-feral-cats/feral-cat
Cats Protection Essential Guides - https://www.cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/information- leaflets/veterinary-guides
Paper collar template - https://www.cats.org.uk/croydon/news/paper-collars-for-stray-cats
How to socialise feral kittens - http://www.kittenlady.org/feral (Please note this is a USA based organisation and some feral protocols differ between countries)