Ovariohysterectomy, or the typical “spay”: the ovaries, fallopian tubes and uterus are removed from a female dog or cat. This makes her unable to reproduce and eliminates her heat cycle and breeding instinct-related behavior. Orchiectomy, or the typical “neuter”: the testes are removed from a male dog or cat.

What does spayed mean for animals?

Spaying refers to the removal of the reproductive organs of female dogs and cats, while neutering is the removal of the testicles in male dogs and cats. The surgeries are always performed while the animal is under anesthesia. ... Depending on the procedure, the animal may need to have stitches removed after a few days.

What happens when animals are spayed?

Spaying a female cat or dog removes the ovaries, fallopian tubes and uterus. She will no longer go into heat or produce estrogen or progesterone, and she cannot get pregnant. ... Spaying is more invasive than neutering, but both procedures are performed with the animal under general anesthesia.