Getting your cats desexed is one of the best things you can do for their health. It can also stop those late-night escapades and the surprise kittens that may come with them. The result? A healthier and possibly calmer cat who’s more into chilling indoors.
It’s the same as taking them to the vet for annual checkups or keeping their shots up to date. A quick procedure can save you from a whole heap of cat-astrophe later.
What does cat desexing mean?
Desexing is what Aussies call the snip that stops your cat from producing surprise litters. Spaying and neutering are both types of desexing, but the procedure depends on whether you’ve got a furry boy or girl.
For males, that’s neutering (removing the testicles). For females, it’s spaying (removing the ovaries and usually the uterus).
Your cat gets a general anaesthetic for it. Male cats usually bounce back pretty quick since it’s less invasive. Female cats need a bit more recovery time, but vets are experts at making surgeries as painless as possible so no need to worry!
💡 Unlike dogs who can get pregnant at 6 months, cats can get pregnant at just 4 months old, before they’re fully grown! They can have up to three litters a year with 4-6 kittens each time. That’s potentially 18 kittens from one cat in a year. The kitten-proofing would be a handful!
Top 7 benefits of desexing cats
Getting your cat desexed is a big step, but the changes that follow are all for the better.
1. They stop wandering off so much
Intact male cats will trek kilometres hunting for lady friends. They can be picking fights along the way that sometimes mean a battered tom, a vet bill, or a dental check-up for those fighting-fangs.
2. They chill out
Hormones turn cats into restless, cute little terrors. Without them, you’ll generally have a calmer, more affectionate cat.
3. Less cancer risk
Spaying a female before her first heat may lower the risk of mammary cancer. Neutering males cuts down testicular cancer risk too. Let’s just say it’s really hard to get testicular cancer when the testicles have left the building.
A simple snip now means a chance at better health down the road.
4. Lower risk of Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)
FIV spreads when cats bite each other during fights. The virus travels through bite wounds (yikes). Desexed cats roam less and don’t get into as many punch-ups with the neighbourhood toughs.
5. Better for our wildlife
One less breeding cat means fewer feral cats causing trouble down the track. Our native birds and small critters are already facing so many challenges. Desexing helps keep the balance, giving our wildlife a better chance to thrive.
6. Helps out the shelters
Fewer accidental litters means rescue centers aren’t drowning in kittens. They can actually focus on the cats already waiting for homes. Plus, make sure the little ones get the right diet in their bowls. No shortage in supply means more healthy cats.
7. No surprise babies
Spayed cats can’t get pregnant, which saves you from frantically trying to rehome kittens you weren’t expecting.
When should you desex your cat?
Cats can be desexed young 12 weeks. Some shelters even do it before letting people adopt.
Your vet might say to wait till around 4 to 6 months, but the trick is to get it before your cat hits sexual maturity.
Female cats can fall pregnant as early as 4 months, and the male cats start spraying and looking for female partners by 5 or 6 months. Before you know it, you’re raising kittens as well.
Have a chat with your vet to work out the best timing for your cat.
How much does desexing cost in Australia?
The cost of cat desexing depends on factors like your cat’s gender, weight, and vet. Here are some estimates for 2025: :
- Male cats: $105 – $650
- Female cats: $135 – $700
Sources: Australian Animal Protection Society, Cats Assistance To Sterilise Inc.
Overall, spays are typically pricier than neuters because they’re more invasive procedures that remove the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes.
Standard Knose Pet Insurance doesn’t cover desexing because it’s considered preventive care, not injury or illness. But if you’ve added on the Knose Pet Care Plan (separate product from Knose Pet Insurance), you can be reimbursed up to $100 for any procedure per year.
Myths and Facts about Desexing Your Cats
Myth #1: Only female cats needs to be desexed
Truth: Neutering male cats brings a host of benefits too. Fixed males are less likely to roam, which means less risks of cat fights, diseases like FIV, and serious injuries. Plus, intact male cat urine smells really strong and neutering helps eliminate that eye-watering odour.
Myth #2: Female cats can’t get pregnant again while they still have a litter of kittens with them
Truth: Female cats (also known as queens) nursing their kittens could already be pregnant with the next litter. They can go into heat within just a few weeks of giving birth.
Myth 3: Indoor cats do not need to be desexed
Truth: Unlike dogs that go into heat twice a year, female cats cycle every 15-21 days if they’re not mated. A cat in heat can make a piercing, relentless noise that can keep the whole house awake. Spaying stops this behavior completely.
Source: Animal Welfare League
Snip happens
It helps your cat stay chilled, content, and less likely to wander. What you get is a relaxed, contented cat who’s healthier and happier. It’s a quick procedure that makes a lasting difference.
Talk to your vet about the best timing for neutering your cat. They can answer any questions and help you understand what to expect before, during, and after the procedure.
One vet visit, a bit of post-op pampering, and you’ve got yourself a calmer companion for life.
Disclaimer
Coverage for illnesses and injuries is subject to your selected plan, Knose Pet Insurance terms and conditions, and only applies where the condition is not a Pre-Existing Symptom or Condition and is outside any applicable Exclusion Periods. See the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) for full details.
Paid post in collaboration with Ranzel.
