Spayed or Neutered Cat

As a condition of adoption, numerous humane societies throughout the country require that any adopted animals be promptly spayed or neutered. If more people would just take the time to get their pets spayed or neutered, many of the problems, as discussed below, would be alleviated.

Following are the top 7 reasons that everyone should have their cat spayed or neutered.

Unwanted Litters

1. The most important reason to have your cat spayed or neutered is that there are just too many unwanted litters of kittens. Ninety percent of the millions of cats that are euthanized each year would be acceptable for adoption into families. However, there are just not enough families who are looking to give an animal a good home. Did you know that a single un-spayed female can produce 3 litters per year, with an average of 4 to 6 kittens per litter?

Feral Cats

2. An unwanted cat that is not adopted or euthanized will usually be abandoned and become feral. Feral cats, which number the same as cats who have homes, can carry harmful diseases to birds and wild rodents. In addition, a large feral cat population has a damaging effect on the environment. To ensure that you won’t contribute to this growing problem, be sure and have your cat spayed or neutered.

Frequent Heat Episodes

3. Female cats that aren’t spayed can go into heat several times a year; therefore, having them spayed can prevent several unwanted behaviors which include hours of yowling and spraying. If you have your cat spayed you won’t have to confine her to the house for several weeks out of the year. 

More Difficult To Care For

4. Sexually mature male cats often feel a need to mark their territory. Therefore, since an un-neutered male cannot curb or control their mating instincts, they will wander off for days at a time in search of a female that is in heat. You can prevent your male cat from possibly getting lost and not coming home simply by having him neutered.

Better Health

5. A spayed or neutered cat will be a healthier cat. For example, an unwanted pregnancy in an already ill or aging cat can be fatal. Also, female cats will have a reduced chance of mammary cancer if they are spayed before their first heat. In addition, if they are spayed, they won’t develop the serious uterine condition, called pyometra, which can ultimately cause death. Male cats that are neutered have less of a chance of developing prostate problems or of being injured in fights over females.

Friendlier Cats

6. Cats are friendlier to their owners when they are spayed or neutered. In addition to being friendlier, there are fewer unwanted behaviors for owners to contend with; therefore, having a good relationship with your cat is much easier. By having your cat spayed or neutered you won’t have to worry about all the unfortunate situations that may arise after your pet has reached sexual maturity.

Save $$$

7. In the long run, if you get your cat spayed or neutered, you will save money. Not only will you save money by eliminating the need to replace damaged furniture from your female cat in heat or male cat that is marking his territory, you’ll also save a lot of money by preventing health problems in your pets. In addition, the spay/neuter procedure is fairly cheap.

Even if you don’t think that you can afford the procedure, it’s important to get your cat spayed or neutered. Some places even offer free services, but if not, look around your area to find one that provides the service at a low cost.