While spaying during heat is generally safe, the surgery may be slightly more complex due to increased blood flow to the reproductive organs. Your veterinarian will assess the risk based on the individual cat.
Spaying during heat prevents unplanned pregnancies, which is essential in controlling the cat population and avoiding the challenges of caring for a litter of kittens.
Spaying can prevent the yowling, restlessness, and other behavioral changes associated with a cat in heat. This can contribute to a calmer and more predictable temperament.
Spaying eliminates the recurrence of heat cycles, which occur approximately every two to three weeks. This can be beneficial for both the cat and the owner in terms of avoiding the stress associated with these cycles.
Cats in heat may be more prone to roaming and attracting male cats. Spaying helps reduce this behavior, minimizing the risk of the cat getting lost, injured, or exposed to potential diseases.
Spaying before the first heat cycle greatly reduces the risk of uterine infections (pyometra), a potentially life-threatening condition in unspayed females.
Spaying has health benefits for the cat, such as reducing the risk of certain cancers and reproductive-related illnesses.
If you choose to postpone spaying during a heat cycle, there's a risk that the cat may become pregnant, especially if she has access to male cats.