The benefits of spaying and neutering pet cats are so numerous that it’s really a no-brainer for a pet parent to make this a priority for their Fluffy. Benefits include:
- Longer life span, as demonstrated in numerous studies.
- Protects from serious diseases such as breast cancer in females and testicular cancer in males.
- Reduces or eliminates mating behaviors in females such as roaming and loud vocalizing.
- Reduces or eliminates aggressive and spraying behavior in males.
- Prevents unwanted litters.
- Reduces the population of unwanted cats.
- Helps curb pet overpopulation and overcrowding in shelters.
Spaying and neutering are very common operations and are generally low risk although any procedure requiring anesthesia carries some risk. Veterinarians perform hundreds of these procedures in their practices and so are knowledgeable about best practices and any updated techniques. Your pet will be under anesthesia during the operation and given medication to prevent infection and manage any associated pain. If you have questions about any aspect of the spay/neuter procedure, pre-operation guidelines or post-operation care, your vet will be able to put your mind at ease.
When to Spay/Neuter?
An optimal time to spay and neuter is early in your pet’s life before the female has gone through her first heat cycle (approximately 4 months) and before the male has reached sexual maturity (approximately 6 months).
A female cat can have a litter as early as 4 months of age and every heat cycle for a female increases her chances of mammary cancer and uterine infections. Traditionally spaying and neutering has been done when the cat is between 5 and 7 months old but according to the Cornell University Feline Health Center, there is little scientific evidence that this age is best.
Pediatric spaying and neutering, as early as 8 weeks old, is becoming more and more common. According to Cornell, “…studies of cats up to 3 years after early spaying/neutering have demonstrated no adverse effects.” Early spay/neuter ensures that there will be no unwanted litters. Millions of cats are euthanized every year because there aren’t enough homes for them, so reducing this number is no small thing. Pediatric spaying and neutering is the practice we follow at Second Chance.
If an unspayed or unneutered cat of any age has adopted you or has been living with you for a while, fear not. Your adult cats can still be spayed or neutered. Talk to your veterinarian about ideal timing and your pet’s particular circumstances.
Bottom line – just do it! Your pet will lead a healthier, longer life and both you and your pet will enjoy all the many benefits of spaying and neutering.