70. When to spay a pregnant cat?

Oct 5, 2007 E-MAIL QUERY TO TOA PAYOH VETS

Dear Judy,

I found your address on a Singapore animal lovers website, I'd appreciate your comments on a situation my wife and I have.

A very young, presumably abandoned, kitten found us some 8 months or so ago, decided to move in (!!), is now a very well adjusted family pet, was described by cat loving friends as definitely spayed, but is now clearly pregnant. I don't have too much problem with the future kittens - which I think will arrive in the next couple of weeks or so - either we find them genuine homes or they will have to be euthanased (much as I hate to have to do the latter).

We'd like to hear your advice as to what, if anything, we should do regarding vaccinations etc before the litter is born, and when is the correct time to have the mother spayed after the litter is born.

The mother is actually a lovely natured cat, we want to do the best for her, but future pregnancy must be avoided.

In advance, thanks for whatever advice you can give us.




E-MAIL REPLY FROM DR SING

1. NO VACCINATION FOR PREGNANT CAT. Give high quality cat food.

2. Two to four weeks AFTER WEANING THE KITTENS TO SOLID FOOD. That means the kittens are weaned at 4-6 weeks of age. Stop suckling so that no more milk is produced. When there is no more milk (observation), spay the cat. This may be around 2-3 MONTHS AFTER the birth of the kittens.

Many owners spay the cat that she is still producing milk wanting to get the spay done urgently to prevent pregancy. There is the slight risk of the milk seeping into the abdomen causing peritonitis. In an ideal world, it is best to spay her when she has stopped milk production.