Once we schedule surgery for your cat(s), we'll give you directions as to where to take the cat for the procedure, but here is an overview for your reference:
- Thank you for wanting to get your cat fixed! You'll reduce animal overpopulation and suffering, your cat will be healthier, and you'll help your community! Way to go!
- Once we've scheduled your cat's surgery, we do require 24-hours notice if you cannot keep your appointment, so another cat can be helped.
- If you do not show up for your appointment and do not give 24-hours notice of cancellation, we will be unable to reschedule the missed appointment.
- Don't let your cat have food or water after 11 pm the night before surgery or the morning of surgery.
- Cats must travel to their appointments in secure hard-sided cat carriers, for their safety, yours, and that of those who will have to handle him or her. Do not attempt to carry a loose cat into the clinic.
- Your cat(s) must stay indoors the night of surgery. Cats who've had surgery that day may be too sleepy to avoid predators or vehicles outdoors, and they may be unable to regulate their temperature properly until the next day.
- We do request a copay or a donation if you are able, depending on your circumstances.
- Spay is the removal of the uterus and ovaries of a female cat and involves an incision into the belly. After surgery, the incision is closed with glue; there will be no skin stitches. Neuter is the removal of the testicles of a male cat; there are no stitches. Males are usually recovered in about a day after the surgery. Females may take a few days to recover from their abdominal surgery.
- Both procedures are done under general anesthesia (your cat will be asleep) and cats, like people, may be wobbly or disoriented after anesthesia. We promise to give your cat the best possible care, but it is always possible that there could be complications up to and including death after any surgery.
- ALL cats matter: Males and females should both have birth control surgery. Fixing both males and females reduces cat overpopulation, improves their health, and reduces or eliminates problem behaviors like spraying and fighting.
- Kittens can be fixed when they weigh two-pounds, at about eight-weeks of age. Kittens should not leave their mothers before they are eight weeks old.
- The tip of the left ear is removed when wild feral cats are asleep for their surgery (see photo below). This provides instant identification that the cat has been fixed. If you have a lot of cats, we recommend tipping the ear even if they are tame, so that you can tell which ones have already been fixed.
- A 3-year rabies vaccination at no charge is administered to every cat we spay or neuter. If you desire a rabies certificate, there is a fee. We aren't always able to provide complete feline vaccinations at the time of surgery, but you may purchase that at the veterinary clinic at your expense if you desire.
- Cats in heat or who have been bred move to the top of the surgery list. Cats can safely be spayed to prevent a litter even after they've been bred. Call us for more information asap.
- We are unable to offer discounted care to purchased cats or to owners who simply would like to pay less. SpayMemphis.org, 901-324-3202, offers discounted spay/neuter surgery and other basic lower cost dog and cat care.
- If you have questions about your cat's recovery from surgery, please do not hesitate to call 662-292-0922.
Tip of left ear has been removed, this identifies this stunning cat as having been fixed.
Surgery unit awaiting patients. Surgery at left, recovery at right. Emergency equipment immediately available includes oxygen, breathing tubes, ventilating bag, emergency drugs, intravenous fluids.
Inhalation anesthesia machine is in background. Surgical instruments are sterilized in an autoclave between surgeries.
