How to use our C4 neutering scheme
(This guidance is for your pet cats only and is not for strays.
Please click HERE if you need help to neuter a stray cat)
1.
You'll need to find a veterinary practice signed up to the C4 scheme. Cats Protection looks after the relationships with our vets and they have a map on their website to help you find the nearest vet and you can also find out about whether you qualify to use the charity scheme on the same page. You can choose any vet who is on the scheme, but there may be limitations in the number of cats they have space to neuter, or how many vouchers they have, so you may need to phone more than oneYou don't have to choose your regular vet, but you do need to let the vet who is neutering your cat know if your cat is normally treated elsewhere.
To go to the vet finder map,
2.
If you're worried about whether or not you should neuter, when to do so, and what the risks might be, then clicking the humans will take you to some really good information on the RSPCA, Battersea or Cats Protection websites. By the way, it's actually natural and normal to be worried about what's best for your pet, so hopefully your mind can be put at rest and you you'll also be able to see why neutering your boy cat or spaying your girl cat are really good choices for them.
to be sure you're following facts and not urban myth
3.
Once you've found a vet you'll need to give them a call and book a time for the neuter to take place. Vets do sometimes have a waiting list and it may be worth trying several. The vets will book you in and you'll more than likely need to drop you cat off in the morning and collect them after the op mid to late afternoon. Your vet may also want to see the cat prior to the op day for a check up but you should not be charged for this unless there are other procedures which happen during that appointment which are carried out at your request.
Important! - If your cat accidentally gets out, or eats some food the night before, you must let the staff at the vet surgery know. It may still be okay to do the operation but they may alter their process for their safety.
4.
On the evening before neutering, your cat will need to stay indoors and have no food after the time the vet indicates (this means also removing any trays of biscuits; but DON'T remove their water). If your cat tends to go roaming off on adventures and not come back for hours or days, then you'll need to keep them in from earlier in the day. You'll need to provide a litter tray so get one of these in advance, and block up any cat flaps that can't be locked.
VET
5.
On the op day, you'll need to take your cat to the vet in a proper secure cat carrier. It's worth allowing the cat to see the carrier and get used to it for a few days before the trip to the vet. Your cat will be admitted to the vet surgery and will stay there for a few hours. The vet will either ask you to return at a set time to pick them up, or will phone you, or tell you when to call them. Please ensure your phone is working in case they need to call to ask you anything. You'll need to pay the vet the £10 fee directly (some may ask for this in advance as a deposit). The vet will bill us for the remaining neutering cost. Please note that our C4 Neutering Scheme only covers neutering and microchip costs and all other treatment for other illnesses or injuries are your responsibility to pay to the vet. n
6.
When you pick up your cat from the vet, you'll be given some post-op instructions to make sure she or he has the nicest recovery possible. Neutering is a routine op and cats will get good anaesthetics and pain-killers at the vets. They may give you some pain drugs to take home and give to your cat for a few days, as well as a "Buster" collar (AKA lampshade or "cone of shame") to stop girl cats from chewing their wound; and puss may also need to be kept indoors for a few days. There may also be some bits for you to do to get the microchip fully registered, and you may also be asked to take the cat back after a few days to make sure the operation wound is looking okay and the cat is recovering well.
More about post op care can be found by clicking here or clicking the cat.
CONGRATULATIONS!
You've been a great cat owner and had your pet neutered or spayed.
Now is a really good time to get your pet insured. There's no NHS for pets, and charity clinics are not always available or universally open to all owners. Click either of the cats for some more insight into pet insurance.