Should you get your cat fixed?
The simple answer to this question is yes, you should get your cat spayed or neutered. The ASPCA estimates that approximately 3.2 million cats enter US shelters each year. Not only will getting your new kitten fixed help to reduce the number of homeless cats in your neighborhood, but it can also lower your cat's risk of disease and help to curb many undesirable cat behaviors.
When should you get your cat fixed?
It is best to spay and/or neuter your kittens at four months old, or before they reach sexual maturity. This provides the most effective protection against a variety of health risks. However, adult cats can also be spayed or neutered. If you're not sure when to get your cat fixed, ask your veterinarian; they can help you decide.
Spay vs Neuter
Spaying refers to the process of fixing a female cat. Spaying is a surgical procedure in which the vet removes the cat's uterus and ovaries, or just the ovaries, preventing your cat from having kittens.
When male cats are fixed, they are neutered. This means that the vet surgically removes the cat's testicles, rendering your cat incapable of fathering kittens.
Benefits of A Spayed Cat
Below are the benefits of a spayed 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. Not only that, female cats can have up to four litters a year, and each litter can be made up of as many as 10 kittens! That means your cat could have as many as 40 kittens every year! That is a lot of unwanted cats.
Reduce your cat's risk of disease
Spaying your kitten before her first heat cycle can lower her risk of developing breast cancer later in life and prevent pyometra, a potentially fatal womb infection.
Protect wildlife in your neighborhood
In the USA it is estimated that cats kill between 1.4 billion and 3.7 billion birds annually. By reducing the population of homeless cats, you are also helping to protect birds and other small animals.
Deter unwanted behaviors
Spaying your female cat may help to keep male cats out of your yard. Female cats that are not spayed attract the attention of nearby male cats. Unneutered male cats can cause problems in your home and garden because they spray, fight, and howl.
Benefits of a Neutered Cat
Below are the benefits if a neutered male cat.
Reduced numbers of unwanted kittens
One male cat who is not neutered can make many female cats pregnant at the same time. 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 to reduce cat aggression, resulting in fewer injuries from cat fights and a lower risk of your cat contracting FIV (immunodeficiency virus) or FeLV. Neutering your male cat can reduce his roaming behavior.
Helps to reduce the incidence of spraying
Male cats who have not been neutered are more likely to spray urine indoors and seek outdoor access compared to neutered males. Having your male kitten neutered at a young age can help prevent spraying and other territorial and mating behaviors from developing.
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.