Why spay?

• Protects long-term health: Removes the risk of womb infections (pyometra) and reduces hormone-driven stress.
• Settles behaviour: No more loud calling (yowling) or restless roaming during seasons.
• Prevents unplanned litters: Kinder for your cat and helps reduce pressure on rehoming charities.

When should you book?

Aim to spay before the first season (often around four months), but healthy adults can be spayed safely too. If your cat is already in season, many vets will still proceed—your clinic will advise on timing.

What to expect on the day

• Admission & health check: Your vet examines your cat, confirms consent and pain-relief plans, and admits her for surgery.
• Anaesthetic & small incision: The ovaries (and usually the uterus) are removed through a neat flank or midline incision.
• Home the same day: Most cats go home a few hours later with pain relief and clear aftercare notes. Some stitches dissolve; others are removed after 7–14 days.

Recovery plan (days 0–14)

Set up a quiet space

• Choose a calm room with soft bedding and easy access to essentials.
• Use a low-sided litter tray and fill it with a low-dust, gentle litter such as Pacha Litter to avoid tracking and irritation around the incision.

Food & water

• Offer fresh water as soon as she’s alert.
• Start with a small meal the evening of surgery; return to normal portions as appetite recovers.

Movement & supervision

• Keep jumping to a minimum for 10–14 days—add a simple step (folded blanket or stool) to favourite spots.
• Keep the cone or recovery suit on at all times unless your vet says otherwise.

Wound checks

• Inspect daily for swelling, redness, discharge or gaping.
• Call your vet promptly if your cat seems unusually sleepy beyond day one, refuses food for more than 24 hours, develops a bad smell at the wound, or struggles to pass urine.

Multi-cat households: extra pointers

• Give your patient her own room for the first couple of days to rest undisturbed.
• Swap blankets after 24–48 hours so scents stay familiar.
• Supervise reunions and keep play gentle until stitches are out or dissolved.

Litter tray tweaks that help healing

• Stick with low-dust options (e.g., Pacha Litter) while the incision settles.
• Scoop little and often to keep things spotless and discourage licking after toileting.
• If your cat strains or seems uncomfortable in the tray, call your vet.

Common myths—sorted

• “She should have one litter first.” There’s no health advantage to a pre-spay litter.
• “Spaying makes cats lazy and fat.” Weight gain is about calories and activity—use measured meals and short play bursts.
• “Indoor cats don’t need spaying.” Doors and windows get left open; spaying prevents accidental pregnancies and seasonal stress.

Smart questions to ask your vet

• Which incision approach (flank or midline) suits my cat and why?
• Will the stitches dissolve, or do we return for removal—and when?
• What’s the pain-relief plan for the first few days?
• When can she resume normal play and go outdoors again?

Easy checklist to screenshot

• Book before first season (or as advised by your vet).
• Keep your cat indoors the night before to control fasting if required.
• Prepare a quiet recovery space with a low-sided tray and Pacha Litter.
• Have a cone or recovery suit ready.
• Do a quick wound check daily; limit high jumps; keep interactions calm.

Bottom line

Spaying is quick, routine and one of the kindest choices you can make for your cat’s wellbeing. With a prepared home, thoughtful aftercare and a clean, low-dust tray using Pacha Litter, recovery is usually smooth—and your cat can get back to snoozing in sunny spots in no time.

This guidance supports, but does not replace, personalised advice from your veterinary team.