Aquia-Garrisonville Animal Hospital

878 Garrisonville Road
P.O. Box 428
Stafford, Virginia  22554-3901
(540) 659-8140

Fax: (540) 659-0941

General Information
Ovariohysterectomy is the medical term for spaying female cats.  The procedure consists of surgical removal of the ovaries and uterus. If the ovaries are not removed, the bothersome heat periods still occur even though pregnancy is impossible. Surgery is usually performed at 5 months and older.

Though it is routinely performed, ovariohysterectomy is a major abdominal surgery requiring general anesthesia and sterile operating technique.

Prevention of pregnancy and heat periods is the main reason for the surgery, but the procedure is also performed in treating severe uterine infections, ovarian and uterine cancer, and some skin disorders.

What Are the Advantages?

• There will be no more heat periods
• There will be no unwanted kittens
• The uterine infections common to older cats rarely occur
• There is less chance of mammary gland cancer

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Will it make my cat fat and lazy?  No.  Obesity is due to excessive calorie intake.  Weight can be controlled with proper feeding and exercise.
2. Will it change her disposition, personality, or intelligence?  Cats' personalities do not fully develop until about 1 year of age.  If there is a personality change after spaying at an early age, it would have occurred without the surgery.
3. Shouldn't my cat have a litter first?  No.  There is no advantage in allowing your cat to have a litter of kittens.