AN OBSERVATIONAL QUESTIONNAIRE-BASED STUDY ON THE REPRODUCTIVE,BEHAVIORAL AND WELFARE CONSEQUENCES OF FELINE STERILIZATION

Abstract

Spaying and neutering are safe and effective surgical procedures widely used to control the feline population and prevent reproductive disorders. But very few data are available on the consequences of feline sterilization. The objective of this study was to find out the reproductive, behavioral, and welfare consequences of feline sterilization. The data were collected from the cat owners during the period of feline sterilization procedures performed from June 2025 to April 2026 at Central Veterinary Hospital, Dr. Sazid’s Pet Care and Panacea Pet & Vet Care through a structured questionnaire. A total of 30 cats were included, comprising 16 (53.3%) local breeds, 4 (13.3%) mixed breeds, 8 (26.7%) Persian cats, and 2 (6.7%) Turkish Angoras, of which 22 (73.3%) were males and 8 (26.7%) were females. All surgeries were performed using the conventional open technique under general anesthesia. Owners were advised to maintain proper hygiene,
restrict movement and use an Elizabethan collar to prevent interference with the surgical site. The results showed that most of the owners came for population control and prevention of unwanted litters of cat aged from 7 to 12 months, weight of cat, appetite, affection toward cats’ owner, and fur quality improved, urine spray, attraction toward opposite sex, aggressiveness and outdoor roaming decreased including no reproductive
health problem. The findings demonstrate that spaying and neutering contribute significantly to improved reproductive health, effective population control and enhanced overall welfare of cats, with minimal complications when appropriate surgical and postoperative care protocols are followed.