Young female cats that are not spayed will go into heat, and their chances of becoming pregnant are very high if exposed to intact (unneutered) males. A female can go into heat as early as four months of age. Each cat is affected differently. The traditional age for spaying a cat was six months; however, research over the last 20 years reveals that spaying before the first heat cycle may have benefits. Although you can spay a cat while she is in heat, the procedure is more complex. Spaying is an important part of cat ownership and for the overall health of the cat. The benefits of spaying far outweigh the risks. Benefits include cancer prevention (when done early), reducing the number of unwanted kittens, preventing noisy and sometimes irritating heat cycles, and possible urine marking in the house. Although spaying is considered a major surgical procedure, it is one of the most common procedures. Before spaying, the veterinarian will perform a head-to-toe examination and may recommend blood tests to ensure all vital organs are functioning properly. Spaying is performed under general anesthesia. To prepare for anesthesia, a sedative and pain medication will be given. Once the cat becomes drowsy, an injection will be administered to induce a deeper sleep. During this time, she is unaware of what is happening and does not feel pain. Your cat will then be intubated, meaning a tube is placed in her trachea connected to a device that helps her breathe. Most veterinarians will also place a catheter in a vein for fluid administration. Your cat will then be connected to a monitor that tracks her heart rate, breathing rate, oxygen level, and temperature. She will receive thermal support to maintain body temperature, and the surgical area will be shaved and cleaned. An incision is made, just below the human navel. The incision extends down the abdomen, but the length depends on various variables. The ovaries and uterus are removed, and the cervix is tied off. Although it is standard to remove the ovaries and uterus, some veterinarians may leave the uterus intact. Remember, the ovaries are responsible for heat cycles, possible mammary tumor development, and behavioral issues. After the veterinarian confirms there is no bleeding, the incision will be closed. Sutures are placed to close the abdominal cavity, and then skin sutures, skin staples, or skin glue are used to close the top layer of skin. Once the procedure is complete, the tube helping your cat breathe will be removed. The veterinary team will monitor her closely until she is sent home. If your cat has sutures or staples, you will return to have them removed, typically within 10 to 14 days after the procedure. What to Expect After Spaying Some veterinarians choose to keep a recently spayed cat overnight to reduce her movement. If the spaying is done in the morning, the cat may be ready to go home the same day. In either case, your cat may be a bit groggy the first night and may not be interested in eating. This is a normal reaction. She should be more alert the next day. Appetite should also return within a day or two. Some cats experience pain for the first few days after the procedure, so pain medications are usually sent home. It is not uncommon for owners to see discharge from the incision site. When noticed, it is important to have it evaluated by a veterinarian. Some cats may require additional treatments such as antibiotics. A cone collar may also be used at home to prevent licking, which can cause irritation, infection, and sometimes opening of the incision site. Owner Concerns After Spaying Estrogens are natural appetite suppressants. When a cat is spayed and her estrogens are removed, an increase in appetite may occur. Additionally, spaying is known to slow a cat's metabolism. The veterinarian will help you determine if a change in diet and activity level is needed. Without ovaries, a cat cannot go into heat. However, ovarian tissue sometimes extends down the ovarian ligament. This, unfortunately, is not visible to the naked eye. When this happens, ovarian tissue may be left behind, resulting in the cat showing signs of heat. The cat cannot become pregnant because the uterus is removed, but it is still important for the veterinarian to determine if ovarian remnant is present to prevent other issues. Diagnosis can be made through blood analysis, and exploratory surgery will likely be needed to remove the remaining ovarian tissue.