About Spaying & Neutering Cats

Most people are familiar with the terms "spaying" and "neutering." But perhaps they are not exactly clear on which applies to which gender, how old you cat must be to have the procedure or some of the advantages. Spaying and neutering can not only improve your cat's health and behavior, but can also prevent adding to the homeless pet population.

  1. Spaying

    • Spaying is the term applied to altering female cats. It refers to the removal of the ovaries, fallopian tubes and uterus, thereby making her sterile. It can be done as early as eight weeks of age. It is recommended that the procedure be done by six-months-old to eliminate the chance of pregnancy. Cats who are in heat can still be spayed, but it is not a good time because she is more susceptible to blood loss.

    Neutering

    • Neutering refers to the alteration of male cats, specifically castration and complete removal of the testicles. This renders him sterile. This can also be done as early as eight weeks of age. It is also recommended to have this procedure done by six months of age in order to avoid urine spraying.

    Health Benefits

    • There are health benefits associated with spaying and neutering. Intact male cats are prone to roaming in search of females, leaving him susceptible to many dangers, and fighting, which can result in injuries and transmission of parasites and diseases. Intact males are also at risk for testicular cancer. Intact females run the risk of developing ovarian or uterine cancer.

    Behavior Benefits

    • Behavioral benefits of spaying and neutering include the elimination of "marking territory" in males and attempts to get outside when in heat by females. This makes your cat less likely to get lost, injured or infected with a disease.

    Saving Lives

    • The benefits of spaying and neutering can not only prevent suffering in your cat but in others. Every year, millions of perfectly healthy cats are surrendered to shelters or euthanized for no reason other than the lack of homes. Spaying and neutering prevents unwanted litters, which in turn prevents suffering and saves lives.