Q: Why is it important to spay or neuter my pet?
A: "fixing" your pet will help him or her avoid reproductive cancers and he or she will be happier without their carnal urges. Another ultimately important reason is that too many puppies and kittens are born every year and too few of them end up in loving homes.

Q: How safe is it to have my pet spayed or neutered?
A: Spay and Neuter of cats and dogs is a common procedure and is considered very safe. As with any surgery there are always risks but the occurrence of these risks in a spay or neuter procedure are very low.

Q: What if I want my kids to experience the miracle of birth?
A: First we suggest that you teach your children about the responsibility of owners to not add to the overpopulation problem by breeding cats. If you are determined, there are plenty of ways for children to witness the miracle of birth. Consider fostering an already pregnant female cat, or even dog, from your local shelter. Shelters are often looking for volunteers to foster these special needs cases and the shelter is better equipped to find homes for the resulting kittens or puppies. In many ways taking care of a pregnant dog through birthing is better for witnessing a birth since many cats are inclined to hide out when it comes time to birth her kittens, where a dog will give birth comfortably in the company of others.

Q: Will my male pet feel like less of a "man" after he is neutered?
A: Your pet will be happier and healthier after his neuter recovery. Neutering your pet will help him avoid reproductive cancers. You will be happier too since your cat or dog will not feel the need to mark his territory and he will be less inclined to wander long distances looking for love if he goes outside.

Q: Will getting my cat "fixed" make him/her fat and lazy?
A: When a cat becomes "fat and lazy" it is usually because he or she is overfed, under exercised, and bored from lack of regular stimulation of his/her senses.

Q: How do I prepare my cat for his/her surgery?
A: The night before your cat's surgery he or she must not eat after 10pm. Be sure to remove any food that your cat might eat including food down for other animals or leftovers on counters, it is very important that your cat have an empty stomach at time of surgery! You can leave water down for your cat throughout the time before he or she goes in for surgery. Outdoor cats must be caught and confined inside before 10pm the night before surgery and only offered water.

Q: How do I take care of my cat when he/she comes home?
A: You will get a sheet with post-op instructions at the time of check out, but here are the basic needs for your cat when he or she returns home. Outdoor cats must be confined and monitored until the morning after their surgery date. All cats should have their abdomens or incisions monitored for redness, bleeding, and swelling. If you have concerns call Dr. Moore to ask questions 603-239-3133. Because our clinic is not set up for after care, if there is an emergency or infection you will have to bring your cat to your local vet or emergency veterinary clinic for treatment. There will be no need for suture removal after your cat's surgery. The sutures used will dissolve on their own over time.