Desexing is a common surgical procedure that prevents unwanted litters and can provide important health and behavioural benefits for cats. Desexing is surgery performed under a general anaesthetic to prevent reproduction. In female cats, it usually involves removal of the ovaries (and sometimes the uterus). In male cats, it involves removal of the testes. In NSW, desexing is also linked to legal requirements and fees once a cat is older than 4 months.
In NSW, owners of non desexed cats over 4 months of age must pay an annual permit while the cat remains non desexed. Once a cat is desexed, the annual permit no longer applies.
Practical takeaway: For most pet cats in NSW, planning desexing by 4 months of age avoids the annual permit requirement (unless a veterinary exemption applies).
The best timing can vary based on your cat’s health, growth, pregnancy status, and lifestyle. A veterinarian should examine your cat before booking surgery and advise on the most appropriate timing.
Your cat should have a veterinary consultation before the procedure to confirm they are healthy for anaesthesia and surgery.
Costs can vary depending on:
Your clinic will give you specific discharge instructions for feeding, activity restriction, wound care, and medications.
In general, most cats need:
Often yes. Indoor cats can still escape, and desexing can also reduce hormonally driven behaviours such as calling, roaming attempts, and urine spraying.
Desexing does not change your cat’s core temperament, but it may reduce sex hormone driven behaviours (for example, spraying in male cats).
No. There is no health requirement for a female cat to have a litter before being desexed.
In NSW, owners of non desexed cats over 4 months of age must pay an annual permit while the cat remains non desexed.
A veterinarian may be able to record an exemption where appropriate. Discuss this with your vet.
Desexing is a common procedure. Your cat should be assessed by a veterinarian beforehand to reduce risk and plan the safest approach.
Some cats gain weight after desexing, usually due to changes in appetite and activity. Regular weigh ins, portion control, and play are helpful. If you are concerned, book a check with your vet for an individual plan.
Book a veterinary consultation to discuss timing and any health checks needed before surgery. If your cat remains non desexed, the annual permit applies until desexing occurs (unless an exemption is recorded).
