Spay or Neuter Your Cat

Deciding on whether or not to spay or neuter your cat is probably one of the most important decisions you will make for them. If you're not certain what spay or neuter means another word you may have heard is "fixed." Fixing your cat simply means that you are removing their reproductive organs, thus limiting the amount of stray cats running around. Let's look at the how and why of spaying and neutering your cat.

Why would you want to have your cat spayed or neutered?

Every year cat owners decide to have their cats spayed or neutered. There are several different reasons for wanting to do this. Let's look at some different ones:

1. Probably the most important reason for having your cat spayed or neutered is to limit the number of unwanted litters of kittens. Millions of cats are euthanized each year. The sad part about it is that most of these kittens would make great house pets, but there are just too many to care for.
2. Male cats that have not been neutered are more difficult to care for. As a male, they often feel the need to mark their territory; mating instincts in male cats cannot be controlled and they will often wander off for days at a time in search of a female in heat. If you decide to neuter your cat you can help prevent this from happening.
3. Female cats go into heat several times a year. You have no control over where your cat goes when they're outside and there is a possible chance that they will find a male cat and produce a litter of kittens. Not only does it produce unwanted litter but it also include spraying, hours of yowling, sometimes having to confine them for weeks at a time.
4. Many of the unwanted kittens and cats that are not adopted are often abandoned by their mother and become feral. Feral cats can carry diseases and harm the populations of wild rodents and birds. This can have a devastating effect on the environment.

Getting your cat "fixed" will limit stray cats.



5. It's actually healthier for the cat if you get it spayed or neutered. Female cats that are spayed before their first heat have less chance of getting mammary cancer or developing pyometra. Male cats have less of a chance of being injured in fights over females or developing prostate problems.


6. Although spaying or neutering your cat may costs some money, it will save you money in the long run. It will save money on how much food you will have to buy for the new litter, how often you have to replace furniture that has been damaged by a female in heat, and saving on medical treatments for health problems.

So there are a few things to think about when it comes to getting your cat spayed or neutered. Consider carefully how much responsibility you want to have. Are you ready to take care of a litter of kittens? Since overpopulation is a real problem, would you be able to leave them "unfixed" and feel alright about abandoning the litter knowing that they would probably be euthanized? Having your cat spayed or neutered would possibly help them fit in with the family better as they are more relaxed and affectionate. Deciding whether to spay or neuter your cat is an important decision and one that should be made quickly after you get them.

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