Stonebridge Veterinary Wellness provides safe and compassionate cat spaying and neutering services in Roseville and the surrounding areas, promoting better health, preventing unwanted litters, and supporting a longer, happier life for your cat.
Spaying and neutering are surgical sterilization procedures for cats that remove reproductive organs, offering significant health benefits including cancer prevention, elimination of heat cycles, and reduction of hormone-driven behaviors.
At Stonebridge Veterinary Wellness, these procedures are performed by Dr. Erin Paster, our board certified surgeon, in a state-of-the-art surgical suite with continuous monitoring throughout. This safe, routine procedure not only prevents unwanted litters but also provides lasting health benefits that improve your cat’s quality of life.
As a family-owned practice, we are committed to giving you the time and information you need before, during, and after your cat’s procedure. Our veterinary team creates individual care plans tailored to your cat’s age, health history, and needs.
The health benefits of spaying and neutering for cats extend far beyond preventing unwanted pregnancies.
Spaying (females)
Neutering (males)
Spaying female cats eliminates the risk of ovarian and uterine cancers while significantly reducing the chance of mammary tumors. When performed before the first heat cycle, spaying can reduce mammary cancer risk by up to 90%. The procedure also prevents pyometra, a potentially life-threatening uterine infection that affects unspayed females. Neutering male cats prevents testicular cancer and reduces the risk of prostate conditions while dramatically reducing the hormone-driven behaviors that lead to injuries and stress.
Altered cats typically display calmer, more affectionate behavior that makes them easier and more rewarding companions.
Each year, millions of healthy cats enter animal shelters across the United States. By spaying or neutering your cat, you’re taking a responsible step to prevent contributing to pet overpopulation. A single unspayed female cat and her offspring can produce thousands of kittens over just seven years, highlighting the importance of this preventive measure.
Timing plays an important role in maximizing the benefits of spaying and neutering while supporting your cat’s safety during the procedure.
Most veterinarians recommend spaying or neutering cats between 4 and 6 months of age, ideally before they reach sexual maturity. At this age, cats are old enough to safely undergo anesthesia while young enough to experience the maximum health benefits.
Early spaying and neutering can prevent the development of hormone-driven behaviors and reduce cancer risks more effectively than procedures performed later in life. Cats spayed before their first heat cycle have the lowest risk of developing mammary tumors.
Healthy kittens as young as 8 weeks old can safely undergo spaying or neutering if they weigh at least 2 pounds. This early-age approach is particularly beneficial for kittens from shelters or rescue organizations, as it supports confirming they cannot reproduce before finding their permanent homes.
Our veterinary team carefully evaluates each kitten’s health status, weight, and development before recommending the best timing for their procedure. We consider factors like overall health, vaccination status, and any existing medical conditions.
Understanding the surgical process can support easing any concerns you may have about your cat’s spaying or neutering procedure.
Before surgery, your cat will undergo a thorough physical examination to confirm they’re healthy enough for anesthesia. We may recommend pre-surgical blood work to check organ function and identify any underlying health issues. You’ll receive detailed pre-operative instructions, including fasting guidelines. Typically, cats should not eat after midnight the night before surgery, though water is usually allowed until the morning of the procedure.
Spaying involves the surgical removal of the ovaries and uterus through a small incision in the abdomen. Our veterinarians use modern techniques to minimize tissue trauma and reduce recovery time. The procedure typically takes 20 to 30 minutes, depending on your cat’s size and individual anatomy. Throughout the surgery, our team monitors your cat’s vital signs, including heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels.
Neutering male cats involves removing the testicles through small incisions near the scrotum. This procedure typically takes 10 to 15 minutes and involves a shorter recovery time than spaying. Both procedures are performed under general anesthesia with continuous vital sign monitoring from start to finish.
Patient safety is our top priority throughout every procedure. We use advanced monitoring equipment and anesthetic protocols specifically designed for cats, and a dedicated team member monitors your cat at all times during surgery and recovery before discharge.
Proper post-operative care is essential for your cat’s smooth recovery and reduces the risk of complications.
Your cat will likely be sleepy and less active following surgery — this is completely normal as the anesthesia wears off. Provide a quiet, comfortable space where your cat can rest undisturbed. Monitor appetite and encourage small amounts of water. Offer small portions of food to avoid nausea.
Check the incision site twice daily for redness, swelling, discharge, or opening. Keep the area clean and dry. If your cat is licking or scratching the incision, use the cone or e-collar provided until cleared. Contact us immediately if you notice any concerning changes at the incision site.
Your cat will need restricted activity for 10 to 14 days following surgery. No running, jumping, or rough play. Keep indoor cats away from furniture they can leap from. Male cats typically return to normal activity faster than females due to the less invasive nature of the procedure. We will provide detailed written recovery instructions at discharge and are available by phone throughout recovery.
We believe every cat deserves access to quality veterinary care, and we strive to make spaying and neutering affordable for pet owners throughout Roseville and the surrounding areas.
Several factors influence the cost of spaying and neutering procedures for cats, including your cat’s age, weight, and overall health status. Younger, healthier cats typically have straightforward procedures, while older cats or those with medical conditions may require additional monitoring or pre-surgical bloodwork. We provide detailed cost estimates before the procedure so you have a clear picture of what to expect.
Contact us for a personalized estimate and information about payment options.
Taking the step to spay or neuter your cat demonstrates your commitment to their long-term health and well-being. Our veterinary team at Stonebridge Veterinary Wellness is ready to answer your questions, walk you through what to expect, and confirm your cat receives the highest quality care. We encourage you to contact us to discuss your cat’s individual needs and address any questions you may have about the procedure. During this visit, we’ll examine your cat, review their medical history, and recommend the ideal timing for their procedure. To learn more about ongoing wellness support, visit our cat care page, or read about our other preventive surgery options.
The optimal age is between 4-6 months, before sexual maturity. Kittens can be safely spayed or neutered as early as 8 weeks if they meet minimum weight requirements of at least 2 pounds.
Most procedures are completed within 15-30 minutes. Neutering male cats typically takes 10-15 minutes, while spaying female cats takes 20-30 minutes. Your cat will need to stay for recovery monitoring and typically goes home the same day.
Your cat’s loving personality remains the same. The procedure reduces hormone-driven behaviors like spraying, roaming, and aggression, often making cats more affectionate and focused on bonding with their human family members.
Unaltered cats face higher risks of reproductive cancers, infections, and unwanted pregnancies. Males may spray, fight with other cats, and roam in search of mates, while females experience heat cycles with yowling and restlessness. Roaming also puts cats at increased risk of trauma from cat fights and hit by car injuries. Unspayed females also risk developing pyometra, a potentially life-threatening uterine infection.
Costs vary based on your cat’s age, size, and health status. We provide detailed estimates that include all aspects of care. Contact us for a personalized quote and information about payment options.
Pain Management Specialist
Integrative Medicine Practitioner
Board-Certified Surgeon
Located at 254 Gibson Drive in Roseville, our family-owned veterinary clinic provides compassionate, five-star care to pets throughout Roseville and the surrounding areas. Led by board-certified surgeon Dr. Erin Paster with over 20 years of experience, our team treats every pet with the same love and respect we would our own.
The information provided on this website has been reviewed by our veterinarians but is for educational purposes only. It should not replace professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If your pet is experiencing a medical concern, please contact our clinic at (916) 773-8578 or seek immediate veterinary care.
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Our wellness exams focus on preventive health care to keep your pet healthy and happy. During a wellness visit, our doctors perform thorough physical examinations, discuss your pet's nutritional needs, address any behavioral concerns, and recommend preventive treatments tailored to your pet's age and lifestyle.
