Can You Spay A Pregnant Cat? Here's What You Need To Know

Whether you're a first-time or experienced cat owner, you probably know a thing or two about spaying. Many veterinarians and pet organizations encourage spaying because of the benefits that this procedure provides to cats, their humans, and the community. One benefit is that it helps prevent unwanted litters...but what if the cat you plan to have spayed is already expecting? Yes, a pregnant cat, appropriately referred to as a "queen" in the veterinary world, can still be spayed. However, if you're the one making the decision about whether or not to spay a queen, you'll want to consider a few ethical and health-related factors first.

Spaying consists of surgically removing a female animal's ovaries and uterus, hence the medical term "ovariohysterectomy." The obvious outcome of removing these organs is eliminating the possibility of pregnancy, but the lesser known benefits are the health and behavioral ones. A sterile cat is less likely to develop mammary and uterine cancer or to yowl in search of a mate since the surgery ends the heat cycle. Plus, it can extend the cat's lifespan. 

A cat can experience the benefits of spaying whether they're expecting or not at the time of the procedure. Spaying a pregnant cat just adds a few more variables to the decision-making process and to the procedure.

Removing a pregnant cat's reproductive organs doesn't just make her sterile; it also ends the feline's pregnancy. This, of course, means that any developing kittens will not survive. You might be on board with spaying your cat because of the benefits, but arranging for her to have an abortion is likely to cause some hesitation. It's a normal reaction, so there's nothing wrong with taking some time to put more thought into your decision before making it.

Wondering if there's an ideal time during gestation for the spay to take place? Pregnant cats can actually be spayed at any time during their pregnancy. However, some veterinarians don't recommend it because spaying a pregnant cat poses risks, just as with any other surgery. Certain vets may even refuse to perform the procedure if the cat is late in her pregnancy. The primary reason for this is the increased risk of complications, such as infection or excessive bleeding. In general, the later the cat is in her pregnancy, the greater the chance is of something going wrong.

It's also important to note that spaying a pregnant cat may cost more than spaying one that isn't pregnant because the veterinarian won't just be removing organs at that point. They will be removing embryos as well, so the surgery will be a little more complex.

Nobody wants to think about a cat losing her kittens, but in some cases, carrying those kittens to full term can be dangerous. Just as with humans, there's no guarantee that every cat will have a safe, successful pregnancy. While it's rare, cats can experience problems while pregnant or while giving birth, some of which can jeopardize the queen and her kittens. If you have a pregnant cat that you weren't planning to spay, and you discover that she's having pregnancy complications, you might decide to have the surgery to save her life.

How do you know when a cat is having pregnancy complications? She'll let you know in a number of different ways. For example, she may experience a loss of appetite or show signs of distress, depression, or agitation. You may also notice vaginal discharge or bloody urine, among other signs. Always consult with your veterinarian if you're concerned about your pregnant cat's health.

Remember, spaying is widely recommended for both cats and dogs because of the list of benefits. On the other hand, if you discover that the cat you plan to have spayed is pregnant, you may still be able to move forward with the appointment, but with an added caveat. You'll just need to weigh the benefits with the risks and consider your personal emotions and convictions about aftermath. If you find yourself struggling to make a decision regarding spaying a pregnant cat, your veterinarian can help.