Paw Problems: The Benefits of Spaying and Neutering Your Cat

The decision to spay or neuter your furry feline is an important one for all pet owners. It can be the single best decision you make for your fur baby’s long-term health. There are many theories when it comes to the medical and behavioral effects of spaying and neutering cats. It is a controversial subject with numerous viewpoints among trainers, breeders, and pet owners. Allow West Ridge Animal Hospital to aid you in your decision making process on why you should consider a spay or neuter for your pet.

Spaying and neutering are surgical procedures performed by veterinarians that render cats incapable of breeding by removing their reproductive organs. When a female cat is spayed (also called an ovariohysterectomy), the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus are removed. Neutering results in the castration of male cats and the complete removal of their testicles (Animal Health Foundation).

As stated by the Animal Health Foundation, spayed felines are less likely to develop breast cancer and will not be at risk for ovarian and uterine cancer, while neutered males will not be at risk for testicular cancer. By neutering male cats, you also reduce the risk of injury and transmission of disease, since intact males have a natural instinct to roam and get into fights with other cats, who may carry contagious diseases or parasites. Not to mention, altered cats have lowered incidents of running away, being hit by cars, and unwanted pregnancies (The United States Humane Society).

In addition to the many health benefits, spaying or neutering your cat ensures that he or she won’t contribute to the feline overpopulation problem. Even a cat who lives indoors may escape and produce kittens if not sterilized. Each year, millions of homeless cats are euthanized or end up in shelters due to a lack of good homes and availability of willing to adopt pet owners.

Although any cat can spray urine to mark territory, intact males are those who most often engage in this behavior. Both intact male and female cats may try to escape their homes to roam outside. When in estrus (heat), females are more likely to show erratic behavior such as yowling and writhing on the ground to attract male cats. Intact males can detect females in heat from miles away, so it is not safe to allow them outside(AHF).

There are several myths about your cats’ behavioral change after he or she is spayed or neutered. After sterilization your cat may be calmer and less likely to exhibit certain behaviors, but his or her personality will not change. Contrary to myths, a sterilized feline does not become lazy and overweight after surgery. However, fixed felines do require fewer calories to maintain their body weight once spayed or neutered(AHF). West Ridge Animal Hospital recommends and will gladly speak with you about adjusting your cat’s dietary needs after sterilization.

In an effort to avoid the start of urine marking and eliminate the chance for pregnancy, it is advisable to schedule the surgery when your kitten reaches around 6 months of age. It is possible to spay a kitten while she is in heat, but not recommended since she’s susceptible to increased blood loss during surgery. Older cats can be good candidates for sterilization, but it’s best to allow your veterinarian to determine the safest procedure to be performed.

The medical benefits resulting from spaying and neutering your furry felines will only lead to longer and healthier lives. It’s an undeniably effective form of birth and population control, and one that enables owners to be more relaxed about their pets in sexually mixed company. In the end, pet sterilization is a moral and medical decision all pet owners must consider in order to be responsible and caring educated moms and dads for their fur babies.