Every year, many cat owners decide to get their cat spayed or neutered.
This decision is made for several different reasons, all of which illustrate
why it is such a good idea.
The many problems caused by un-spayed or un-neutered pets each year are part of what has prompted numerous humane societies to require that any adopted animals be promptly spayed or neutered as a condition of adoption. Many of the problems that are listed below would be alleviated if more people took the time to get their pets spayed or neutered.
With that kept in mind, here are the top seven reasons to have your cat
spayed or neutered.
1. The most important reason is simply that there are too many unwanted
litters of kittens. Millions of cats are euthanized each year. 90% of
these animals would be acceptable for adoption into families, unfortunately,
there simply are not enough families looking for cats to give these animals
a good home. A single un-spayed female cat can produce three litters per
year, with an average of four to six kittens per litter.
2. Unwanted cats that are not euthanized or adopted are often abandoned and
become feral. It is estimated that the feral cat population is as large as
the current number of cats that have homes. Feral cats can carry diseases
as well as harm the populations of wild rodents and birds. As a result, a
large feral cat population can have a damaging effect on the environment.
By having your own cat spayed or neutered, you can ensure that your pet will not
contribute to the growing problem.
3. Un-spayed female cats go into heat several times a year. By spaying your
cat, you can prevent several unwanted behaviors, including spraying, hours
of yowling, and you will not have to confine your cat for several weeks out
of the year.
4. Male cats that have not been neutered are also more difficult to care
for. Sexually mature male cats often feel a need to mark their territory.
Also, the mating instincts in un-neutered cats cannot be curbed or
controlled, and often these male cats will wander off for days at a time in
search of a female that is in heat. Sometimes when male cats wander they
get lost and do not come home. By neutering your cat, you can prevent this.
5. It is better for your cat”s health to be spayed or neutered. For
example, female cats that are spayed before their first heat will have a
reduced chance of mammary cancer, and will be unable to develop pyometra,
which is a serious uterine condition that can cause death. Also, an
unwanted pregnancy in an already ill or aging cat can be fatal. Male cats
which have been neutered have less chance of being injured in fights over
females, or of developing prostate problems
6. Spayed or neutered cats are often more friendly with their owners than
they would usually be. Not only are the cats more friendly, but as has been
mentioned before, there are fewer unwanted behaviors for their owners to
contend with. It”s much easier to have a good relationship with your cat
when you don”t have to worry about all of the unfortunate situations that
come up after your pet has reached sexual maturity.
7. Getting your cat spayed or neutered will save you money in the long run.
First, it can save you money by eliminating the need to replace furniture
that has been damaged by a female cat in heat, or a male cat marking its
territory. Next, since the procedure is fairly cheap, it may save you a lot
of money by preventing health problems in your pets.
Something to remember: You should still get your cat spayed or neutered,
even if you don”t think that you can afford the procedure. Look around in
your area for cheap or even free services.
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