Community Cat Spay & Neuter FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions About Our Community Cat Spay & Neuter Program
Have questions about the Community Cat Spay & Neuter Program at Acton Animal Hospital? We've answered some of the most common questions about eligibility, scheduling, surgery, and recovery below.
If you don't see your question, our team is happy to help. Please call us at any time.
General Questions
What is the Community Cat Spay & Neuter Program?
The Community Cat Spay & Neuter Program is part of Acton Animal Hospital's Community Care Program. It provides safe, compassionate spay and neuter surgery for healthy community cats throughout Granbury, Hood County, and the surrounding communities.
What is considered a community cat?
A community cat is any cat that primarily lives outdoors and is cared for by individuals, neighborhoods, farms, businesses, or volunteer caregivers. This includes neighborhood cats, barn cats, working cats, and managed colony cats.
Why should I spay or neuter a community cat?
Spaying and neutering helps prevent unwanted litters, improves long-term health, reduces roaming and fighting, and supports healthier cat populations throughout the community.
Eligibility
What age does my cat need to be?
Cats should be at least 3 months of age.
Is there a minimum weight?
Yes. Cats must weigh at least 3 pounds.
Is there an age limit?
This program is designed for cats 3 years of age and younger.
Older cats may still be candidates for surgery through our traditional surgical services.
Does my cat need to be healthy?
Yes. This program is intended for healthy cats that are appropriate candidates for routine anesthesia.
If your cat has an illness or ongoing medical condition, our veterinarians can recommend the safest treatment plan.
Scheduling
When are surgeries performed?
Community Cat surgeries are scheduled on Wednesdays by appointment.
How do I schedule an appointment?
Simply call Acton Animal Hospital and our team will help determine whether your cat qualifies for the program and schedule the next available appointment.
Can I just walk in?
No. Appointments are required so we can provide each patient with the time and care they deserve.
What time is admission for surgery?
All surgery patients will need to be admitted for their procedure between 7:30 AM and 9:00 AM the morning of the procedure.
Surgery
What is included with the surgery?
Every procedure includes:
- Physical examination
- General anesthesia
- Spay or neuter surgery
- Pain management
- Patient monitoring
- Recovery care before discharge
What additional services are available?
Additional services may be performed during surgery, including:
- Rabies vaccination
- FVRCP vaccination
- FeLV vaccination
- FeLV/FIV testing
- Microchip identification
- Medical pet shirts or e-collars are available
Ask our team about these services when scheduling your appointment.
Can pregnant cats be spayed?
Yes.
Pregnant cats may still qualify for the program. Because these procedures require additional surgical time and complexity, additional fees apply.
Can cryptorchid (retained testicle) males be neutered?
Yes.
Cats with retained testicles may still qualify for surgery. Depending on the complexity of the procedure, additional fees apply.
What if my cat has fleas?
Every cat is checked for fleas upon arrival.
If fleas are present, treatment will be required before surgery to help protect all patients within the hospital. Additional fees apply.
Recovery
Will my cat receive pain medication?
Yes.
Pain management is an important part of every surgery we perform.
How long will my cat stay at the hospital?
Most cats return home the same day after they have recovered from anesthesia, unless our veterinarians determine additional monitoring is needed.
Will I receive home care instructions?
Absolutely.
Our team will review discharge instructions with you and provide written information to help your cat recover comfortably at home.
Program Questions
Why is this program only offered on Wednesdays?
Scheduling surgeries on a dedicated day allows our veterinary team to provide efficient, high-quality care while making the program available to more community cats.
Is this program for indoor pet cats?
The Community Cat Spay & Neuter Program is designed specifically for healthy community cats.
If your cat is an indoor companion or has individualized medical needs, our traditional feline surgical services may be the better option. We'd be happy to discuss the best choice for your cat.
Do you publish prices online?
Please call Acton Animal Hospital for current pricing.
Because every patient is unique and some cats require additional services or treatment, pricing may vary depending on your cat's individual needs.
Still Have Questions?
Our team is always happy to help.
If you have questions about eligibility, scheduling, surgery, or recovery, please contact Acton Animal Hospital.