As a responsible feline parent, you want to do everything to keep your cat healthy and happy. Part of that includes being prepared for the possibility of your cat needing surgery at some point in their life.
While nobody likes to think about their pet going under the knife, it’s important to know what the most common surgeries are for cats so that you can be prepared financially and emotionally if your kitty ever needs one.
Here are four of the most common surgical procedures for cats:
1. Spaying or Neutering
Many veterinarians perform these common surgery types on cats when they are around six months old. In female cats, it involves removing the ovaries and uterus (spaying), while neutering involves removing the testicles in male cats. These procedures aid in controlling the number of unwanted animals while also providing your pet with health benefits.
For example, spaying can help reduce the risk of your cat developing certain types of cancer. While some cat owners believe pet sterilization is unethical, many organizations supporting animal rights believe it’s a responsible way to help control the pet population.
2. Dental Surgery
Cats, just like humans, can suffer from various dental problems that may require surgery to fix. For example, your cats may need their teeth extracted if severely damaged or decayed. Dental surgery is also sometimes necessary to remove oral tumors.
Some pet owners wonder if cat dental surgery is expensive. This depends on the extent of the issue and which teeth need to be extracted. That’s why some vet clinics offer free initial consultations to give you an idea of what the surgery will cost.
The key is finding a reputable and established vet clinic or hospital, such as veterinarians in Oak Grove that can offer you high-quality, affordable care for your pet.
3. Ocular Surgery
Cats can also suffer from various eye problems that may require surgery to fix, such as cataracts or glaucoma. Cataract surgery is among the most common ocular surgery performed on cats. It involves removing the cloudy lens from the eye and replacing it with a clear artificial lens.
Like with dental and other types of surgeries, the cost of ocular surgery for cats depends on the severity of the problem and which eye is affected. Remember that surgical services for dogs and cats can be expensive, so it’s crucial to find a clinic that offers affordable care or flexible payment options.
4. Orthopedic Surgery
Cats can also suffer from various orthopedic problems that may require surgery to fix, such as fractures or joint problems. For example, your cat may need surgery to repair a broken bone or to correct a condition like hip dysplasia.
There are times when orthopedic surgery is urgent and must be performed right away (see here how emergency vet care works). However, in other cases, your vet may give you the option to wait a few days or weeks to see if the problem improves on its own before deciding whether surgery is necessary.
5. Gastrointestinal Surgery
Cats can also suffer from various gastrointestinal problems that may require surgery to fix, such as blockages or foreign bodies in the stomach or intestines. For example, your cat may need surgery to remove a blockage in its intestine or to remove a foreign body that they have swallowed.
Gastrointestinal surgery is often performed on an emergency basis, so it’s essential to be familiar with the signs of a gastrointestinal problem in cats to take your pet to the vet immediately.
6. Declawing or Onychectomy
Declawing is a type of surgery to remove a cat’s claws. While it is a controversial procedure, it is sometimes necessary for cats that scratch furniture or people frequently.
Declawing is a surgical procedure wherein a cat’s claws are removed. It is usually done on kittens since it is less painful for them than for an adult cat. Declawing should only be considered a last resort, and there are various other choices available to handle cats’ habit of scratching furniture or people.
Ultimately
The list above is just six of the most common surgeries cats may need. While some of these surgeries are more common than others, all of them can be expensive. That’s why it’s crucial to find a clinic that offers affordable care or flexible payment options. Besides, your aim should be to find a clinic that can provide high-quality, affordable care for your pet.
