How cats are castrated using a gentle method: closed castration without stitches and testicle removal

A common practice that can help manage the pet population and enhance a cat’s health and behavior is cat castration. Even though having surgery might seem scary, cats now have much gentler experiences than they did in the past thanks to advancements in technology.

One such method is closed castration, which eliminates the need for sutures and testicles extraction. This less invasive technique speeds up the healing process for cats and lowers the chance of complications. For animal owners searching for a compassionate solution, it’s a reliable and effective choice.

This post will describe the advantages of this mild castration technique as well as what to anticipate from your cat’s recuperation. Knowing what to expect will help you make sure your pet is comfortable and healthy the entire time.

What is castration?

The Latin words "castratio" and "castro" mean "to cut" and "castration," respectively. An animal’s sexual inclination is suppressed and its reproductive system is terminated through castration. The reproductive organs—the ovaries, uterus, and testicles in cats—are typically removed during the procedure, which lowers libido and stops the production of sex hormones. A male that has been castrated is incapable of fertilizing a female.

A pet that has been castrated exhibits improved behavior. It quits marking, attempting to flee from home, and making loud mewling noises at night. There is no longer any hostility toward humans or animals. A cat becomes calmer and more balanced when it is not suffering from an unsatisfied sexual urge. Stable metabolism and hormone levels contribute to a lower risk of genitourinary disease development. A castrated animal has a 2-3 year longer lifespan on average.

Methods of castrating a cat

Surgery is the most popular method of preventing cats from having sex. It is straightforward, approachable, and radical: the capacity for reproduction is not gradually restored. The procedure goes as follows: a scrotal incision is made under general anesthesia, the testicles’ serous membrane is opened, the testicles are removed, and the spermatic cord is severed with a ligature.

When the cord is knotted, there is an additional method of stopping the bleeding without the need for a ligature. This kind of procedure is frequently referred to as seamless, closed, or gentle. All of these terms are actually merely marketing gimmicks. In both situations, the castration wound is left open and heals over time without the need for stitches.

Surgical intervention is not appropriate in certain situations. If the animal is too old, too sick, or too weak, the operation is not done. Additional contraindications include anesthesia allergies, severe conditions affecting the kidneys, liver, heart, blood vessels, respiratory system, anemia, or epilepsy.

Other (closed) castration techniques consist of:

• Radiation castration. Loss of reproductive function is achieved by radiation exposure to the testicles.
• Microwave castration. The animal"s testicles are irradiated with a microwave emitter (under anesthesia). A lasting result is achieved after just one procedure. Due to insufficient study (long-term consequences are unknown) and the lack of necessary equipment, this type of sterilization is rarely used.
• Chemical contraception. Loss of fertility occurs under the influence of drugs that stop the synthesis of sex hormones.

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Castration without removing the testicles is sterilization

The goals of sterilization and castration are to stop reproductive function. The first is the removal of the reproductive organs, which results in infertility, a shift in hormone levels, and an inability to be attracted to an animal of the other sex.

Only the spermatic cords are tied or soldered during the sterilization process (vasectomy); the testicles are left in place. Conception is ruled out because sperm cannot pass through the vas deferens due to a barrier that forms in their path. Hormone synthesis by glands continues, sexual activity stays constant, and behavior doesn’t alter. The cat continues to harass other animals, mark things, scream, and attempt to flee the house.

Vasectomy is a rare procedure. This is due to a few factors:

• it does not lead to a change in behavior;
• the work of separating the vessels, nerves and vas deferens is very delicate, and therefore not all veterinarians undertake it;
• sterilization does not reduce the risk of infection with infectious diseases, because the animal continues to live a sexual life;
• due to the fact that the procedure is associated with a number of difficulties, it is not cheap.

With closed castration, cats can have their testicles removed gently and quickly, without the need for stitches. This procedure reduces stress and speeds up the healing process. Because this procedure is less invasive than traditional open surgery, it helps lower the risks involved and provides a safer and more comfortable experience for the animal. Veterinarians can effectively prevent reproduction with this method, as well as ensure the welfare of the cat by accelerating the healing process and reducing the need for post-operative care.

Chemical contraception for cats

Chemical contraception refers to the use of medications that inhibit the synthesis of sex hormones. The easiest and most affordable method of reducing sexual activity is with pills or drops, but their use—especially when uncontrolled—is linked to a number of serious side effects, such as the development of cancer.

The use of implants is a more sophisticated, reliable, and secure method of drug contraception. The majority of veterinarians used the contraceptive "Covinan" until recently, but it had a lot of negative side effects. A more advanced Suprelorin took its place. Deslorelin, a synthetic analogue of a hormone that supports the reproductive system, is its primary ingredient.

Using a special needle, an implant the size of a rice grain is placed beneath the animal’s skin, usually between the neck and lower back. It continuously releases small amounts of the active ingredient, which causes the body to stop producing sex hormones and temporarily lose fertility and libido.

See also: The cat has an enlarged chest and an irritated nipple: causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

It takes time to reconstruct the hormonal background, so the injection doesn’t produce the desired effect right away; it takes six weeks. Drug castration is reversible; unless a new implant is placed, fertility resumes after the drug’s duration. After a single injection, the animal stays sterile for at least half a year.

Because chemical contraception doesn’t require anesthesia, older pets frequently use it. Breeders frequently employ it when purebred animals engaged in reproduction require a rest period to recuperate and regain strength for upcoming matings. In nurseries where animals of both sexes are housed together, medication contraception is also used to stop unplanned matings. In cases where a cat suffers from oncological or endocrine disorders, it is also utilized to stop the synthesis of sex hormones.

Radiation castration

The radiation castration technique includes exposing the animal’s testicles to specific radiation dosages, which are chosen based on the cat’s age and weight. The processes are repeated until the sex glands’ ability to reproduce is totally inhibited.

Hormone synthesis and viable sperm production are stopped by radiation. There is total suppression of libido. Radiation castration is an effective procedure, but it is rarely used because of inadequate research on the subject and the possibility of unfavorable outcomes, such as the onset of cancer and inflammatory processes.

For your cat, castration via the gentle closed technique is a less intrusive and safer option. The testicles are removed without opening the scrotum during this procedure, which lowers the risk of infection and speeds up healing. Stitches are not needed.

This technique offers cat owners the benefits of reduced discomfort and a quicker recuperation period. Compared to traditional methods, your cat can resume normal activities sooner and with less complications.

To guarantee the best care for your cat, if you’re thinking about having this procedure done, speak with a veterinarian who specializes in the closed castration method. It’s a practical solution that puts your feline friend’s health and wellbeing first.

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