Castration in Cats

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                      General Information



Castration is the surgical removal of the testicles.  When a cat

is castrated just before sexual maturity at 6-8 months of age,

the cat's sexual instincts are reduced, and the cat becomes

sterile.  Fighting and night prowling, common in intact male

cats, are largely eliminated.  (However, castrated cats may

still want to go outdoors to hunt.) The objectionable urine odor

of the male cat is also reduced.



                       Surgical Procedure



Your pet will be given a preoperative physical examination to

help ensure its safety during anesthesia and surgery.  The

operation is performed under general anesthesia.  Recovery is

generally uneventful, the hospital stay is short, and aftercare

is minimal.



                           Home Care



1.  Diet:  Follow the instructions checked.



    ____Feed the normal diet.



    ____Feed as follows:





2.  Exercise:  Confine your cat indoors for ____ days.



        Notify the Doctor if Any of the Following Occur:



    * Your cat's urine is bloody.



    * Your cat vomits or is reluctant to eat.



    * Your cat seems depressed or lethargic.



    * The incision bleeds.



    * The surgical site swells.