Top Reasons to Spay or Neuter Your Cat

June 1st, 2019

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Whether you're planning to adopt a cat or if you've already welcomed your furry companion into your home, make sure your new companion is spayed or neutered. Adopting cats through one of our local shelters is one way to guarantee that they are spayed or neutered. Spaying and neutering provide medical and behavioral benefits to your feline companion and help control the pet overpopulation crisis. This can be the single best decision you make for your cat's long-term welfare.

Your Cat's Health

Spaying a female cat, especially before the first heat, helps prevent uterine infections, uterine cancers, and breast cancer. Neutering male cats eliminates the chances of testicular cancer and lowers the risk of prostate problems. Generally, spayed and neutered pets live healthier, longer, and happier lives.

Your Cat Will Be Better Behaved  

Spayed or neutered cats are better behaved. They will be less likely to roam, yowl, wail, bite, display aggressive behavior, or spray or mark their territory. Intact males will do just about anything they can to find mates, including escaping from your home, which puts them at risk of injury or fights with other males. Roaming can also expose your cat to dangerous diseases, including feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency virus.  Spaying or neutering can help improve your cat's mood. Unaltered pets become stressed when in heat, which can last several months out of the year.  Spaying or neutering will help relieve stress and will leave you with a content pet. You'll help curb undesirable behaviors without interfering with your furry companion's unique personality.

Help Fight Pet Overpopulation

Did you know that millions of healthy cats are euthanized in the U.S. each year because there aren't enough homes available? Spaying and neutering can help control the pet overpopulation crisis and reduces the number of strays, which end up in shelters instead of loving homes. Unfortunately, many end up homeless and are left to fend for themselves. 

Spaying and Neutering Are Cost Effective

The long-term costs you could incur by not spaying or neutering your furry friend can be excessive. Treating cancers of the reproductive system can be quite costly, as is caring for a new cat litter. Additionally, unaltered pets can be more destructive and may engage in serious fights with neighborhood strays, often requiring pricey treatments. 

When Should You Spay or Neuter Your Cat?

Kittens as young as eight weeks old can be spayed or neutered safely. Cats altered before six months of age will have a lower risk of developing behavioral or health problems, as compared to those that undergo these procedures later in life. Spaying and neutering early in life may even prevent problem behaviors before they develop. If an unaltered cat is displaying problem behaviors, it's never too late to spay or neuter, regardless of age.  

We Are Here For You

Contact All About Cats Veterinary Hospital to learn more about the benefits of spaying or neutering your cats. We are committed to providing your furry family member with exceptional, compassionate care. You can always count on us!