Desexing Your Cat
Desexing is an important part of giving your cat a healthy, safe and settled life. It prevents unwanted litters and can reduce hormone-driven behaviours such as roaming, fighting, spraying and yowling.
Why desex your cat?
Desexing benefits individual cats as well as the wider community. Cats can become sexually mature from a young age, so desexing before they have the opportunity to breed prevents accidental litters.
For many cats, desexing also reduces the urge to roam and compete for mates. This can mean fewer fights, less risk of injury and a calmer life at home.
- Prevents unwanted litters.
- Can reduce roaming, fighting, spraying and other mating-related behaviours.
- Supports a safer, more settled life at home.
- Helps reduce the number of unwanted kittens needing homes.
When should cats be desexed?
In Tasmania, cats must be desexed by four months of age unless an exemption applies. Cats can reach sexual maturity at around this age, so it is important to plan ahead and speak with your veterinarian while your kitten is still young.
Cats adopted from Ten Lives are desexed before they go home.
What does desexing involve?
Desexing is a routine surgical procedure performed under general anaesthetic by a veterinary surgeon. Your vet will explain the procedure, pain relief and any care your cat needs before and after surgery.
Most cats return home the same day and recover quickly with a quiet place to rest and the post-operative care recommended by their vet.
Related information
For more information about desexing requirements in Tasmania, visit the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania’s Desexing and Microchipping page.