Many thanks for all helpful advice received regarding using an elastrator band on my tom catkitten. my husband held his legs ( he wore gloves the chicken!) whilst i slipped the band on kitty making sure both balls were caught. we are keeping a close eye on him because of what could go wrong as some people advised. I am sure the cat had some discomfort for a day or two but he took it like a man! and ive saved some vets bills!

-- sue aynsley (sue aynsley@cwctv.net), February 23, 2001

Answers

Glad to hear all went well .Get ready for some complaints .

-- Patty {NY State} (fodfarms@slic.com), February 23, 2001.

Sue-is a elastrator band the same as a rubber band, or something just for this use? We have a tome that needs the same thing done, and the vets is outragous! What problems could arise? Thanks!

-- Joe (Threearrs@AOL.com), February 23, 2001.

How old are kittens when you do this? I think this is something that I could do if we ever get another cat..

-- Lynn(MO) (mscratch1@semo.net), February 23, 2001.

Not that I am against banding, but you might want to check with the humane society in your area for neutering "sales". I just had my tom done for $10. They plan on doing 450 cats for $10 a piece, and they do this about 2 times a year but you have to persue it. The funny thing was, the vet tried to convince me to pay for a pre blood screening ($36) and pain medication ($16). Guess they couldn't figure out that I didn't want to give them my hard earned money for a ten minute procedure.

-- Julie (julieamc@excite.com), February 23, 2001.

Elasticator bands are not the same as rubber bands. Basically they are small green rubber doughnuts. They are applied with a special applicator which spreads them apart, then comes off once they are applied. Likely any Co-op or such should have the applicator and bands. I use them on the bull calves I can catch. Have found it easier to get them on the applicator if moistened with saliva first. Again, I did two toms. One worked fine. On the other one morning I noticed his scrotum hanging by a cord. Vet agreed I just didn't get enough of the scrotum in the band to eventually cause the cord to die and drop off with the scrotum and testicles. Perhaps a livestock neighbor has an applicator and bands you can borrow.

-- Ken S. in WC TN (scharabo@aol.com), February 24, 2001.