Dubai is home to a large number of stray and community cats. While many families care for their pets responsibly, unneutered cats often reproduce quickly, leading to more kittens than homes available. This is why neutering or spaying is not only important for your own pet but also for the wider cat population.

By choosing this procedure, you prevent unwanted spraying and marking of your cat, improve your cat’s health, and make everyday life with your pet easier.

Neutering vs. Spaying vs. Sterilisation – What’s the Difference?

The terms can be confusing, but they describe slightly different procedures:

• Neutering is often used as a general word for making cats infertile.
• Castration (usually for male cats) means removing the testicles.
• Spaying (for female cats) means removing the ovaries, sometimes also the uterus.
• Sterilisation only blocks the tubes (sperm ducts or fallopian tubes). The hormones remain, so the cat still shows behaviours like marking or going into heat.

In Dubai, most veterinary clinics recommend castration or spaying, as these give long-term benefits for health and behaviour. Sterilisation is rarely done.

Why You Should Neuter Your Cat

There are many reasons to choose neutering, both for your cat and for you as an owner:

• Population control: Cats can become sexually mature as early as 4–6 months and may have up to three litters a year. In Dubai, where many stray cats live, neutering helps control the population and supports TNR (Trap, Neuter, Release) programs.
• Preventing unwanted litters: Finding homes for kittens is not always easy, and many end up in shelters.
• Reducing nuisance behaviour: Neutered males spray less, fight less, and roam less. Females no longer go into heat, which avoids loud calling and stress.
• Health benefits: Lower risk of womb infections, mammary tumours, or testicular cancer. Cats also face fewer injuries from fights.
• Better life at home: Neutered cats are usually calmer, more affectionate, and easier to keep indoors.

When Is the Right Time?

Deciding on the right moment to neuter your cat is one of the most common concerns among owners. The timing depends on your cat’s age, the cat breed, lifestyle, and overall health.

Age of sexual maturity

Cats reach sexual maturity surprisingly early. Some kittens are ready to reproduce at just four to five months old. On average, most cats become sexually mature between six and eight months. Female cats may then come into heat every few weeks if not pregnant, while male cats start spraying and roaming to find mates.

Standard recommendation

In Dubai, most veterinarians suggest neutering around five to six months of age. At this age, cats are healthy and strong enough for anaesthesia, but still young enough that unwanted behaviours like spraying or loud calling have not yet become fixed habits.

Early neutering

In some situations, especially in shelters or TNR (Trap-Neuter-Release) programs, an early neutering between eight and fourteen weeks is carried out. This prevents uncontrolled breeding in large stray populations. Some owners worry about side effects, but studies show that early neutering does not harm growth or long-term health.

Differences between males and females

• Male cats: Neutering is often done as soon as the first signs of spraying or strong roaming behaviour appear. If you wait too long, these behaviours may continue even after surgery.
• Female cats: Spaying before the first heat cycle is ideal. It reduces the risk of later health problems, such as womb infections or mammary tumours.

Indoor vs. outdoor cats

If your cat lives indoors only, you may have a little more flexibility, since there is no risk of accidental mating. However, heat cycles can still cause stress for the cat and the household.

For outdoor cats in Dubai, neutering before they start roaming freely is strongly recommended, both to avoid pregnancies and to protect them from injuries in fights with other cats.

Health check before surgery

Regardless of age, a vet will always check your cat’s overall health before scheduling the operation. This can include a physical exam, a weight check, and sometimes blood tests. Kittens that are underweight or sick may need to wait until they are stronger.

In summary, the best time to neuter your cat is usually before the first signs of sexual maturity. In Dubai, most owners choose the procedure between five and eight months, but earlier neutering is also possible if your vet advises it.

The Procedure Step by Step

Neutering and spaying are routine surgeries, but it helps to know exactly what happens so you can prepare.

Preparation

Before the operation, your cat should not eat for around 8–12 hours, and most vets also recommend no water for about 2 hours before surgery. The vet may perform a health check or even blood tests to make sure your cat is fit for anaesthesia.

Neutering (male cats)

For male cats, the surgery is straightforward. The vet makes a small incision in the scrotum and removes the testicles. Stitches are often not needed, and healing is usually very quick.

Spaying (female cats)

For females, the procedure is more invasive. The vet makes a small incision in the abdomen, removes the ovaries, and sometimes also the uterus. The cut is stitched and takes longer to heal than in males.

Sterilisation

This is different: only the tubes (sperm ducts or fallopian tubes) are cut or tied. Hormones remain, so behaviours like spraying or going into heat continue. Because of this, sterilisation is rarely done in Dubai or elsewhere.

After the operation, your cat will be monitored until it wakes up safely from anaesthesia. Most cats go home the same day.

Risks and Side Effects

Neutering and spaying are considered safe, but like any surgery, there are risks.

Anaesthesia risks

Some cats may not react well to anaesthesia. Very young kittens, older cats, or cats with heart, liver, or kidney problems are at higher risk. That’s why a vet check before the operation is important.

Surgical risks

In rare cases, complications can include bleeding, infection, or wound healing problems. Female cats have slightly higher risks because their surgery is more complex.

Behavioural changes

Right after surgery, some cats may seem irritable, aggressive, or stressed. This is usually temporary and linked to pain, the strange environment at the vet, or the discomfort of a collar. Long-term, most cats become calmer and friendlier.

Overall, the risks are low, and for healthy cats neutering is a routine, safe procedure performed daily in Dubai clinics.

Recovery and Aftercare for Your Car

The first days after surgery are the most important for recovery.

• Healing time: Male cats usually recover in a few days, while females need 7–14 days.
• Pain management: Your vet will provide medication to keep your cat comfortable.
• Prevent licking: Most cats wear a cone (collar) or a soft medical body to stop them from licking or scratching the wound.
• Quiet environment: Give your cat a warm, calm space on the floor (not on furniture where they could fall).
• Food and water: Offer water after they wake up. Food should be given slowly, sometimes only a small amount at first.
• Monitoring: Check the wound daily for swelling, redness, or discharge.

Cats should stay indoors until the stitches are removed or the wound is fully healed. For outdoor cats in Dubai, this means usually at least 10 days indoors.

Long-Term Changes After Neutering

Neutering not only prevents pregnancies but also changes behaviour and health in the long run.

Behavioural changes

Neutered males usually stop spraying, fighting, and wandering far from home. They become calmer and more focused on family life. Females no longer go into heat, which means less stress, less noise, and more relaxed behaviour.

Feeding and weight management

After neutering, cats burn about 20–30% fewer calories, but their appetite often increases. This makes weight gain very likely. Owners should reduce food portions slightly or switch to a diet made for neutered cats. Playing with your cat daily also helps to keep them active and healthy.

Growth and development

Many people worry that neutering will stunt growth. This is not true. Studies show that neutered cats grow just as well as unneutered ones. Some even grow a little longer because hormones that stop growth are reduced.

Overall, neutered cats usually live longer, healthier, and calmer lives – a big benefit for both cat and owner.

Costs of Neutering Cats in Dubai

The cost of neutering in Dubai can vary widely depending on the type of clinic, the cat’s health, and the services included.

General price range

• Low-cost or charity clinics: Around AED 200–400. These often work with TNR (Trap, Neuter, Release) programs to control the stray cat population.
• Standard private clinics: Between AED 500–800 for males and AED 700–1,000 for females.
• Premium clinics: Some high-end veterinary hospitals may charge over AED 1,000, especially if extra services are included.

 What is usually included in the cost?

• Pre-surgery health check
• Anaesthesia and monitoring
• Surgery itself (castration or spaying)
• Pain medication
• Basic post-operative care instructions

Sometimes, additional services like blood tests, microchipping, or follow-up visits are charged separately. Always ask the clinic for a detailed cost breakdown before booking.

Male vs. female surgery

Because spaying a female cat is a more complex operation, it is usually more expensive than neutering a male cat. Males often heal faster too, which reduces follow-up costs.

Practical Tips for Cat Owners in Dubai

If you’re planning to neuter your cat in Dubai, a little preparation will make the process smoother.

Finding a veterinary clinic

Dubai has many good veterinary clinics, from smaller local practices to large hospitals. Some even offer home pick-up and drop-off services for convenience. Ask friends, neighbours, or fellow cat owners for recommendations, and check online reviews.

What to ask your vet before surgery

• What exactly is included in the price?
• How long will the procedure and recovery take?
• Do you recommend blood tests before surgery?
• What aftercare steps do I need to follow?

Combine neutering with microchipping

Since your cat will already be under anaesthesia, this is a perfect moment to also microchip your pet. In Dubai, microchipping is required for licensing, and it helps reunite lost cats with their families.

Plan for aftercare at home

Prepare a quiet corner in your home with a bed, water, and a litter box nearby. Make sure your cat cannot jump onto high furniture, and keep them indoors until they are fully healed.

With the right preparation and a trusted vet, neutering is a safe, quick, and highly beneficial procedure for cats in Dubai.