Castration and sterilization of Scottish cats and cats

For Scottish cats, castration and sterilization are common practices meant to enhance their quality of life and avoid unwanted litters. These procedures have health benefits, such as lowering the risk of certain diseases, in addition to helping to control the pet population.

The choice of whether to spay or neuter a Scottish Fold or Straight cat is a significant one. It’s critical to take into account the procedure’s appropriate timing, possible advantages, and associated risks. Although most of these procedures are safe, it’s still important to know what to anticipate and how to take care of your pet afterward.

This post will walk you through the main features of sterilization and castration for Scottish cats so you can make an informed choice that will benefit your pet and you both.

Scottish cats are frequently castrated and sterilized, which can enhance your pet’s general health and behavior and help avoid unintended litters. These procedures can lower a cat’s risk of developing certain illnesses, such as cancer, in both males and females. They can also help cats become more calm by reducing their territorial or aggressive tendencies. It’s a responsible decision that makes your Scottish cat’s life calmer and healthier for both the pet and the owner.

When a Scottish cat is castrated

The clear recommendation from veterinarians is to castrate Scottish kittens as soon as possible after birth, usually between 10 and 12 months. There are no health reasons why a Scottish Fold cat shouldn’t be castrated at this age, as it is deemed sexually mature. Hormones in the body have contributed to development. The cat’s health and veterinarian examination are what matter most.

After mating with another cat, a cat may retain the mating process as an innate memory and behavior if he is castrated.

Any age is appropriate for castration of a Scotsman, but it is best to do so before the man turns five years old and free of age-related illnesses.

The price of castration varies according to the location and region of the Russian Federation. While it is convenient for both the owner and the cat, having a veterinarian come to your house is made more difficult by the need to prepare the area for surgical procedures.

The approximate cost of castrating cats in various Russian Federation cities is shown in Table No. 1.

Why castration

Since they adore this breed of cat, many people select a Scottish fold or straight-eared kitten for their soul. Before selling, breeders frequently castrate kittens in the "pet" class that deviate slightly from the norm. This is particularly true for fold-eared Scots that are mated incorrectly and are prone to genetic diseases.

In the absence of mating, unsterilized cats mark their territory with foul-smelling urine. They also exhibit aggressive behavior and loud, horrible noises during sexual activity, forcing their owners to have castration surgery.

When a testicle in the scrotum needs to be removed, a common procedure called an orchiectomy is performed quickly. A veterinarian needs fifteen minutes to remove the testicles, make one small incision, and give the pet back to its owner.

When castration is necessary and it is discovered that the kitten has cryptorchidism, minor complications could occur:

• the ovary-testis is not lowered into the scrotum:
• the ovary-testis is located outside the scrotum;
• the ovary-testis is incorrectly located, under the skin in the groin or perineum.

The "cryptorchid" operation can be carried out in the following ways with such deviations:

The ovary-testis location must be cut during surgical intervention using the open method:

1. A more gentle intervention using a puncture, through which the doctor performs all manipulations to remove the ovary with the testicle.
2. Scottish cats cannot be fed 5 hours before the operation, because it is performed under anesthesia, the animal may feel sick to the point of vomiting.

Pet after castration

Both lop-eared and straight-eared kittens will experience a few days of a painless recovery following surgery. On the first day following anesthesia, the Scottish cat will require extra attention:

• be sure to put a hygienic napkin under it weakened, it may not reach the tray;
• provide a warm place, after the operation the cat"s internal heat exchange is disrupted;
• do not put the cat in high places so that it does not fall;
• do not force it to eat, but put it next to a container of water.

A well-rested pet will revert to their normal behavior after emerging from anesthesia. Making sure that it doesn’t lick the area where it was cut is crucial. Put a postoperative collar on it for this. An antiseptic is applied to the wound for a few days.

When are Scottish cats sterilized

The process of sterilizing Scottish cats, including Highland Folds, Highland Straights, Scottish Folds, and Scottish Straights, occurs during puberty and has a significant impact on the animal’s future growth. It matters how old the operation is, both too early and too late. The ideal development period for sterilizing a Scottish cat is thought to be between 10 and 12 months, according to veterinarians. This is because:

A young pet is hormonally mature, matured enough to undergo surgery without problems, and has an easy time adjusting to anesthesia. There’s less chance of infection because her skin tissue heals more quickly.

A poor anesthetic reaction during sterilization may result in postoperative complications at a later age, up to five years. long-term healing of the suture left after surgery.

If the cat engaged in sexual activity, she will not be able to conceive following surgery and ovarian excision; however, she will still be able to reproduce estrus and produce hormones from the pituitary gland.

Sterilization extends a cat’s life to four years, as experienced breeders and vets know. This is because a cat that gives birth frequently loses strength and health in order to give birth to kittens and does not have enough time to heal.

When lop-eared Scottish Folds and Highland Straights mate with straight-eared Highland Straights and Scottish Straights, it is hard to find a purebred Scottish couple. It is forbidden to mate with members of other breeds as this produces kittens that are not pedigreed. Regretfully, they frequently qualify as homeless animals. Castration is a method of reducing their population, which includes street cats.

Scottish cat sterilization is much more expensive in the Russian Federation’s central cities, and the cost goes up even more if a veterinarian is called in to do the procedure at your house. The pet benefits more from this than the owner does.

• Moving is always stressful for the animal;
• In a home environment, it will more easily survive postoperative anesthesia;
• In a weakened state, it is not possible to catch an infection.

Table No. 2: Cat sterilization approximate costs in various Russian Federation cities

Why a cat is sterilized

The majority of veterinarians recommend performing a medical procedure during puberty to sterilize a Scottish cat, even though it is a severe procedure that will spare the animal from emotional distress during estrus. For cats that have the Scottish Fold or Highland Fold gene abnormalities, which prohibit them from mating, sterilization is especially important.

When an unhappy animal builds up hormone surges during repeated estrus, the use of special drugs helps, but not completely. Their ongoing, accelerated buildup in the organs can cause dangerous illnesses and reduce the pet’s lifespan.

Although the procedure is done under anesthesia, the cat’s developing body manages, and with the right care, the wound will heal in 10–14 days.

The procedure known as an ovariotomy involves removing the ovaries in order to sterilize a cat. Castration, also known as an ovariohysterectomy, is a more recent technique that involves excising the uterus in addition to the ovaries.

Pet after sterilization

Following laparoscopy, which is regarded as a more contemporary procedure that is minimally invasive and low-traumatic, there is a shorter recovery period and minimal treatment is required for small wounds sealed with self-absorbing threads to heal quickly.

It’s important to understand! Under general anesthesia, a laparoscopy is carried out with surgical manipulations to sterilize the cat through three incisions measuring 2 mm each. The uterus and ovaries are removed, and the doctor watches the monitor screen while inserting a tiny camera into the abdominal cavity.

Postoperative care

The owner, who is sedated, receives the Scottish cat following the procedure in the clinic. In order to give postoperative care, one must:

• transport the animal in a comfortable carrier;
• do not transport the operated cat on public transport, where it can easily pick up an infection;
• at home, let the pet recover from the anesthesia freely, its duration depends on the drug administered, the body of the cat itself;
• the cat is placed on the floor, on a warm bedding, which must be changed in time if the cat wets itself;
• if during the operation the cat had external stitches on the wounds, then a blanket is put on so that it does not reach them with its tongue;
• after surgery, the Scottish cat is not given food. Only a bowl of water is placed nearby;
• For postoperative constipation, the cat is given a laxative, on the advice of a veterinarian;
• Prescribed intramuscular injections with antibiotics, many do it themselves or take the pet to the clinic;
• Twice a day, the wounds are treated with antiseptics;
• The blanket is removed only after the wounds have completely healed.

Cat food (after surgery)

It is necessary to feed a neutered cat after surgery taking into account its new physiological state, which changes dramatically. It loses interest in cats, and an increased desire for food appears, which is promptly regulated:

1. On the first day after surgery, the animal is not fed, it can vomit from anesthesia, water is placed nearby.
2. Think over a dietary ration with natural feeding, focusing on protein, fermented milk, ground food and vegetables.
3. With ready-made food, wet food is initially given, premium class, developed for neutered cats.
4. Cats are fed small portions, food is not left in bowls, the food is dosed, the cat is protected from obesity.
5. If the kitten is overweight, fasting days are arranged for it.

Cat food (after surgery)

A Scottish cat finds sterilization surgery challenging, especially in the early post-operative days until the suture heals. Subsequently, the body’s hormonal imbalance will impact the cat’s behavior and nutrition; it will also cause an increase in appetite and a worsening of its metabolism. Owner must abide by the guidelines:

1. On the first day after surgery, while the anesthesia is in effect, the cat is not given food. Make sure that she drinks water, otherwise dehydration may occur.
2. After surgery, to prevent the sutures from coming apart, the neutered cat is fed light mashed food, preventing constipation.
3. Feeding should be fractional, in small portions 5-6 times a day, gradually increasing the daily rate to 150 grams.
4. A properly formulated diet should contain -35% protein, 35% carbohydrates and 30% fat.
5. After the sutures have healed, you can switch to ready-made super-premium food, specially produced for sterilized cats.
6. It is necessary to regularly monitor the Scottish Fold"s weight; if it deviates from the norm, it is transferred to a diet.

Vaccinations, vaccination schedule and their cost

Every owner of a Scottish Fold pet needs to follow the vaccination schedule from the time of birth until the pet passes away in order to protect them from infectious diseases. Vaccinated animals have a far lower risk of infection, as demonstrated by scientific research.

Vaccines are categorized into several groups based on their makeup:

1. Monovalent, capable of protecting against one infection.
2. Polyvalent, designed to protect against several diseases.

Based on how they affect the body:

1. Inactive, easily tolerated with a short duration of action, consist of dead viruses.
2. Active, producing immunity, contain live bacteria.

Scottish kittens need to be ready before being vaccinated.

• 2 weeks before vaccination, Scottish kittens are given prophylaxis against helminthiasis, with drugs recommended by a veterinarian, the dose of which is calculated based on the live weight of the pet.
• Before vaccination, the animal is transferred to a lighter diet;
• Vaccination is strictly prohibited for pregnant cats.

Imported vaccinations are far more well tolerated than domestic medications, including Rabisin and Nobivac Rabies, which protect against rabies, and Felovax and Purevax, which protect against panleukopenia, calicivirus, and rhinotracheitis. Although imported vaccinations are more expensive than those made in the Russian Federation, they are more effective and come with a warranty.

What vaccinations are given to kittens, cost

Along with the mother cat’s milk, small, defenseless kittens receive the first antibodies that boost immunity. After weaning, the infant’s body requires extra defense against bacteria and viruses in place of colostrum. It is necessary to vaccinate Scottish kittens between the ages of 8-10 weeks. The kitten is ready for the first shots, and its body is shielded from worms.

The contents of the first Scotsman vaccination vary depending on lifestyle and conditions of detention.

• a vaccine against herpes virus, calicivirus, panleukopenia and rabies, even if the animal leads a permanent home lifestyle;
• plus they also vaccinate against viral leukemia, and chlamydia, if the kitten lives in a private house, in the country and leaves the house, where it has probable contacts with other animals;

Like straight-eared Scots, lop-eared kittens are vaccinated in accordance with the following schedule:

1. At 2 months, the entire complex of vaccinations with the exception of the introduction of the rabies vaccine;
2. At 3 months, revaccination is carried out with the same complex of drugs with the addition of the rabies vaccine.
3. At a year and then as the growth, the entire complex of vaccinations is repeated, including the rabies drug.

The cost of vaccination varies across the nation based on the drug’s price and the specifics of the procedure. It is:

• from the cost of the most common complex of drugs: Purevax RCPCh + Rabisin + Nobivac Rabies;
• prices for registration of a veterinary passport;
• payment for the work of a veterinarian;
• payment for calling a doctor to the house.

Adults (what vaccinations are given to adults + cost)

The following benefits of vaccinations for adult cats and Scottish breed cats:

• they support the immunity of animals to the surrounding living conditions.
• vaccinated pets develop a persistent, throughout the year, resistance to serious diseases;
• A vaccinated animal is protected itself and a guarantee of protection for the owner, for example, from rabies;
• The course of some infectious processes in a mild form
• When walking in nature, when communicating with other animals, the risk of infection of the pet is reduced to a minimum.

The vaccination process is administered once a year throughout life, ideally in the same month. They ensure that the animal is healthy, has had its deworming on schedule, and is not pregnant or nursing kittens.

Similar in composition and cost to a kitten’s vaccination, depending on the area and additional variables.

Procedure	Description
Castration	Involves removing the testes of male Scottish cats, making them unable to reproduce. It also helps reduce aggressive behavior and marking territory.
Sterilization	This procedure is for female Scottish cats, removing the ovaries and uterus to prevent pregnancy. It also reduces the risk of certain health issues like infections or tumors.
Recommended Age	It"s usually done between 6 to 12 months, depending on the cat"s health and development.
Benefits	Both procedures help control the pet population, improve behavior, and lower the risk of certain diseases.

Important choices that affect the health and wellbeing of Scottish cats are castration and sterilization. These procedures help lower the risk of certain health issues, such as infections and cancers, in addition to preventing unwanted litters.

Neutering your cat can have positive behavioral effects in addition to health benefits, such as reducing aggression or roaming. This makes the pet happier and calmer.

Even though it might seem like a big step, it’s important to think about the benefits in the long run. Making the best decision for your Scottish cat at the right time requires consultation with your veterinarian.

Video on the topic

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