Should you get your cat fixed?
There is a large number of unwanted cats and kittens that are brought to shelters across the United States each year. Having your cat spayed or neutered is the best way to help reduce the number of unwanted cats in Brighton area shelters.
However, the benefits of spaying or neutering your pet don't stop at population control. Along with reducing the unwanted kitten population, a spayed or neutered cat also has a reduced risk of certain medical conditions.
When should you get your cat fixed?
It is recommended to spay and/or neuter your kittens at four months of age or before they reach sexual maturity to provide the best protection against several health risks. However, adult cats can also undergo spaying or neutering. If you are unsure when to get your cat fixed, consult your vet; they can help you decide when to spay or neuter your cat.
How are spaying and neutering different?
There are differences between spaying and neutering your cat because these are different procedures for cats of other genders.
Spay vs Neuter
When a female cat is fixed, it's called spaying. Spaying means that the vet surgically removes the cat's uterus and ovaries, or sometimes just the ovaries, so that your cat is unable to have kittens. Male cats are neutered or castrated when they are fixed. This means that the vet surgically removes the cat's testicles so that your cat can no longer father kittens.
Benefits of Spaying Your Female Cat
Controlling the number of unwanted cats in your area
Your cat may be able to have kittens of her own before she is even six months old. Female cats can have up to four litters a year; each litter can comprise as many as ten kittens. This means your cat could have as many as 40 kittens every year. That's a lot of unwanted cats!
Reduce your cat's risk of disease
When you have your kitten spayed before she has her first heat cycle, it can reduce your cat's risk of developing breast cancer later in life and eliminate the possibility of your cat developing pyometra (a potentially fatal infection of the womb).
Protect wildlife in your neighborhood
In the USA, cats are estimated to kill between 1.4 billion and 3.7 billion birds annually. Reducing the population of feral cats will help protect birds and other small animals.
Deter unwanted behaviors
Not spaying your female cat can attract male cats to your backyard. Unneutered male cats tend to spray, fight, and howl, which can cause problems in your garden and around your house.
Benefits of Neutering Your Male Cat
Reduced numbers of unwanted kittens
One male cat who is not neutered can simultaneously make many female cats pregnant. Having your male cat neutered can play a significant role in helping to reduce the number of homeless cats in your neighborhood.
Reduced risk of many common health issues
Neutering can help reduce cat aggression, which may mean fewer injuries from cat fights and a reduced risk of your cat contracting FIV (immunodeficiency virus) or FeLV (Feline leukemia virus). Neutering can also curb your male cat's tendency to roam, reducing his risk of vehicle injury.
Helps to reduce the incidence of spraying
Typically, male cats who have not been neutered yet spray urine inside the home more often than neutered males and often try to get outside more. Having your male kitten neutered while he's young can help prevent spraying and other territorial and mating behaviors from starting.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.