Cat Spay & Neuter Surgery

Cat Spay and Neuter Surgery in Lubbock, TX

Safe, Compassionate Feline Surgery at Lubbock Animal Medical Center

At Lubbock Animal Medical Center, the spaying and neutering of cats and dogs are among the most common and important procedures we perform. These elective surgeries are typically done on healthy pets under one year of age and play a vital role in maintaining your pet’s health and controlling pet overpopulation.

Below, you’ll find detailed information about cat spay and neuter surgeries, including what to expect before and after the procedure, and why these surgeries are so important for your cat’s lifelong health and behavior.

What Is a Cat Spay?

A cat spay, or ovariohysterectomy, is a surgical procedure performed on female cats to remove the ovaries and uterus, preventing pregnancy and heat cycles.

Once your cat is safely anesthetized, a small incision is made through the abdominal wall to access the reproductive organs. Each ovary is carefully removed, the associated blood vessels are tied off with absorbable sutures, and the uterus is removed and securely sutured near the cervix to prevent bleeding. The abdominal wall, subcutaneous tissue, and skin are then closed with sutures.

Although a spay is considered an invasive surgery, it is a routine procedure performed by our experienced veterinarians. Most cats recover quickly, especially with proper post-operative care. At Lubbock Animal Medical Center, a cat spay typically takes 30–45 minutes in uncomplicated cases, though it may take longer if the cat is in heat, pregnant, or overweight.

What Is a Cat Neuter?

A cat neuter, also known as a castration, is the surgical removal of the testicles of a male cat to prevent breeding.

Unlike the spay procedure, a neuter involves only a small incision made over the scrotum. The testicles are removed, and the associated blood vessels and ducts are tied off to prevent bleeding. The incision is closed with tissue adhesive—no stitches are needed.

Neutering is a quick, routine procedure at our clinic, typically taking 15–20 minutes, and most cats recover rapidly when post-operative instructions are followed carefully.

Why Spay or Neuter Your Cat?

There are many important reasons to spay or neuter your cat—beyond population control. These include benefits for health, behavior, and community welfare.

1. Preventing Overpopulation

Spaying and neutering prevent unwanted pregnancies and help reduce the number of homeless animals. Millions of cats and dogs are surrendered to shelters each year, and sadly, many are euthanized due to overcrowding.
Even indoor cats can escape or find ways to breed—especially during heat cycles. According to AmericanHumane.org, approximately 3.7 million animals are euthanized annually in the U.S., and 25% of shelter pets are purebred. By choosing to spay or neuter your cat, you’re helping fight overpopulation and saving lives.

2. Disease Prevention

Spaying and neutering significantly reduce the risk of serious diseases:

  • Spaying lowers the risk of ovarian and uterine cancers and completely prevents pyometra, a life-threatening uterine infection.

  • Neutering prevents testicular cancer and helps reduce prostate problems.

  • In both males and females, these surgeries can reduce exposure to Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) by decreasing roaming and fighting behaviors.

3. Behavioral Benefits

Spaying and neutering can help reduce or eliminate unwanted behaviors linked to mating instincts.

  • Females in heat may yowl loudly, attempt to escape, or fight to reach male cats.

  • Males may roam, mark territory by spraying, or become more aggressive.
    While every cat is unique, many behavioral problems improve or are prevented entirely when these surgeries are performed before sexual maturity—typically around 6 months of age.

When Should I Spay or Neuter My Cat?

While spay and neuter surgeries can be performed at almost any age, most veterinarians recommend scheduling the procedure when your cat is 6 to 8 months old. However, your veterinarian may recommend an earlier or later date depending on your cat’s size, breed, and health.

Post-Operative Care Instructions

After surgery, your cat will need to be kept calm and confined for 10–14 days to allow proper healing.

  • Check the incision daily for bleeding, swelling, redness, or discharge.

  • Prevent your cat from licking or chewing at the incision site; an Elizabethan collar (E-collar) may be necessary.

  • Avoid baths and vigorous play until sutures are removed or your veterinarian confirms healing.

  • Monitor for changes in appetite, vomiting, or diarrhea, and contact us if any concerns arise.

If sutures are used, they are typically removed 10–14 days post-surgery. Following these steps ensures a quick and smooth recovery.

Scheduling Your Cat’s Spay or Neuter Surgery

All spay and neuter surgeries at Lubbock Animal Medical Center are outpatient procedures performed Monday through Friday.

  • Cats are dropped off in the morning and usually ready to go home between 4:00–5:00 PM.

  • An appointment is required for surgery.

  • Our clinic is located at 10209 Quaker Avenue, Lubbock, TX.

To schedule your cat’s spay or neuter surgery, please call us at (806) 794-4118 for an appointment and pre-operative instructions.

Why Choose Lubbock Animal Medical Center for Cat Surgery?

At Lubbock Animal Medical Center, we combine advanced surgical techniques, compassionate care, and modern equipment to ensure your cat’s safety and comfort during every procedure. Our experienced veterinary team treats every pet as if they were our own—because we know they’re family.