Reasons for Neutering And Spaying of Cats

by Mary Fariss  

Neutering - The fact is that all pet cats should be spayed or castrated, for health reasons and to curb the overpopulation problems.

This is the most proactive step. The operation is a simple procedure with a very quick recovery period. Besides preventing unwanted pregnancies, castrating a male will help mitigate certain problem behavior found in whole males, and it will help prevent certain medical conditions, too.

• Male cats are less likely to spray strong urine once castrated.
  
  

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• Male cats will lose the urge to fight
  
  
• Male cats will be less likely to try to escape
  
  
• Male cats will not suffer the abscesses from fighting
  
  
• Male cats will be less likely to contract diseases such as FeLV and FIV
  
  
• Male cats will not be subject to testicular cancer
  
  
• Male cats will not likely develop "stud tail," caused by overactive glands in the tail
  
  
• Cats have a decreased risk of mammary cancer
  
  
• Neutered cats are less allergenic
  Basically, you have every reason to neuter your male cat. He will be a much more pleasant companion, and will ultimately be happier and healthier.

Spay Your Female Cats

Anyone who has lived through the misery of having a female cat in almost constant heat cycles will attest that it is not a pleasant experience. Their loud calling, often accompanied by spraying urine (to attract a mate) are evidence that they are, if not actually physically in pain, at least uncomfortable and unhappy.

Aside from the very real feline overpopulation problem, there are some valid health reasons for spaying female cats.

• Decreased Risk of Mammary Cancer
  Ideally, to give a female cat protection against mammary cancer, she should be spayed prior to her first heat. Each subsequent heat brings a greater chance of mammary cancer at a later time.
  
  
• Eliminates Risk of Ovarian or Uterine Cancer

Spaying a cat involves the removal of the uterus and ovaries. No organs: no cancer; simple as that.

• Eliminates Chances of Pyometritis
  Pyometra is a virulent bacteria that attacks the uterus of cats, usually a week or so after estrus, and is a potentially fatal infection.

The old adage that "if you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem" is particularly applicable to unwanted pregnancy in cats.