Spaying or neutering has many benefits to your cat, your home and society as a whole. It’s a simple, routine operation performed under general anesthesia that removes the uterus and/or ovaries in female cats (spaying), and the testicles of male cats (neutering). Read these top 9 reasons why you should spay or neuter your cat.

1. Population control

The number one reason to spay or neuter your cat is to help control the population. There are too many cats born without homes, and the shelters are unable to provide care and shelter to them all. Many healthy cats are euthanized each year because there are too many animals needing homes. By spaying or neutering your cat, you can play an important part in preventing the birth of unwanted cats.

2. Prevent future health issues

Spaying females prevents uterine infections and breast tumors, which can become malignant in 90% of cases. Spaying before a cat’s first heat offers her the best prevention against uterine, ovarian and breast cancers.

Neutering male cats prevents testicular tumors and prostate problems.

Not only can spaying and neutering prevent cancers, it can also reduce the chance of your cat contracting feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency virus via transmission from other cats. This is especially true in male cats. Neutered males are less likely to fight, so their chances of getting these feline communicable diseases via wounds and bites are greatly reduced.

3. It is safe

It is safe to spay or neuter your cat at 8 weeks old. Spaying and neutering earlier has benefits against aggressive behaviors and health benefits, as described above. To avoid spraying urine behaviors, and the chance of pregnancy, it is recommended to spay your cat before puberty, or about 5 months old. It is a myth that spaying should wait until after the first heat or litter.

Spay or Neuter Your Cat at Breckinridge Park Animal Hospital (972) 690-6900

4. Avoid heat for female cats

A spayed female cat will not go into heat. This will greatly reduce her excess urination and mewing, and also reduce the number of male cat suitors (spraying your door!) disrupting your home life.

5. Reduce aggression in male cats

Male cats will be less aggressive and less likely to mark their territory with urine. Neutering will reduce their desire to roam.

6. Does not cause weight gain

Spaying and neutering will not cause weight gain. As with any cat, if you give opportunities for exercise and monitor their food intake, weight will not be an issue.

7. Lower health care costs than pregnancy

The cost to spay or neuter your cat is lower than the cost of medical care for a pregnant cat and new litter.

8. Cleaner and better smelling home

Your home will be cleaner and smell better. There will be less urine spray from territorial males, and no fluids and pheromones from fertile, in heat females.

9. Does not affect personality

Your cat’s personality will still be there after the surgery, so if your cat was playful and cuddly before spaying or neutering, he or she continue to love on you and be your best friend.

Spay or Neuter Your Cat to Reduce Shelter Overcrowding

By making the choice to spay or neuter your cats, you are protecting their health, and playing a part in reducing the number of cats in shelters. The benefits far outweigh any risks associated with surgery. If you have questions about spaying or neutering your cat or kitten, your veterinarian is the best resource for informative answers. He or she can advise you on the best timing for your cat or kitten, and guide you through the surgical process from prep to day of surgery to recovery.

Make an Appointment at Breckinridge Park Animal Hospital

If you want to learn more about the benefits of spaying or neutering your cat, contact the caring and knowledgeable staff Breckinridge Park Animal Hospital. Our expert veterinarians and qualified staff will take special care of your feline friend. Call (972) 690-6900 or click here to schedule an appointment.

Breckinridge Park Animal Hospital serves the northeast Dallas suburban area. We provide the community with some of the best veterinarians in Richardson, Garland, Plano, Murphy, Wylie and Mesquite.

This information is not a substitute for professional veterinary medical advice. Prior to starting any new treatment or questions regarding an animal’s medical condition, always seek the advice of your veterinarian.