I. Why Spay/Neuter Is Essential

1. Health Protection

2. Behavioral Benefits

• Females: Eliminates loud heat vocalizations (85–92 dB, akin to drill noise);
• Males: Reduces urine marking by 97% and aggression by 63% (Cornell University study);
• Population Control: 1 unsterilized pair can produce 2 million descendants in 8 years.

II. Optimal Timing: Age and Physiological Stage

1. Ideal Window

• Standard Surgery:
  • Females: Before first heat (5–6 months old);
  • Males: After testicular descent (typically 5–7 months).
• Early-Age Neutering:
  • For shelters/stray colonies;
  • Requirements: ≥8 weeks old and ≥1 kg body weight;
  • Benefits: Smaller incision (~1 cm), 40% faster recovery.

2. Special Cases

• During Heat: Perform 2 weeks post-heat (to avoid uterine congestion);
• Nursing Cats: Wait 4 weeks after weaning;
• Senior Cats (＞7 years): Require pre-op kidney/liver tests + cardiac ultrasound.

III. Post-Surgery Care Guidelines

1. Critical Recovery Monitoring (24–72 Hours)

2. Long-Term Health Management

• Metabolic Adjustment:
  • Reduce calorie intake by 10–15% post-surgery (20–25% lower BMR in sterilized cats);
  • Switch to “sterilized” formulas (e.g., L-carnitine-enhanced diets).
• Exercise:
  • ≥30 minutes daily interactive play (feather wands/laser pointers);
  • Use slow feeders for overweight cats.

IV. Common Myths Debunked

• “Surgery is unnatural”: Neutered cats live 12–15 years vs. 6–8 years for unsterilized cats;
• “Personality worsens”: 83% show reduced aggression and increased socialization (JAVMA data);
• “Let females have one litter first”: Each litter raises mammary tumor risk by 25%.