By getting your cat fixed you are doing more than just preventing unwanted kittens, you may also be preventing a host of unwanted behaviors and protecting your feline friend against some potentially serious health issues. Today our Franklin vets discuss getting your cat fixed.
Spay vs Neuter
When we talk about getting a cat 'fixed' we are using a generic term for the spaying and neutering of a pet. Spaying is the sterilization of female animals by removing their reproductive organs. Neutering is the sterilization of male animals by removing the testes.
Why Bother Neutering a Male Cat
The number of kittens that one unaltered male cat could father in a single year is in the hundreds, and those kittens will be old enough to breed in just 6 months.
It is estimated that by neutering just one male cat and spaying one female cat we can prevent a whopping 2000 unwanted kittens from being born within just four years!
Right now, across the US there are far more cats being born each year than there are homes available for them. Many of these homeless cats wind up on the streets, or ultimately end up being put down in shelters. You can help reduce the rates of cat homelessness and euthanasia by having your own cat spayed or neutered before they can reproduce.
When it comes to controlling the population of unwanted cats in our neighborhood we all need to play our part.
Benefits of Spaying Female Cats
It is estimated that in as little as seven years, one female cat and her offspring can produce an incredible 370,000 kittens. Getting your female cat fixed can make a big difference in reducing the number of unwanted kittens in your neighborhood.
Beyond preventing the arrival of unwanted kittens, spaying your female cat has a number of health benefits. For example, there's less risk of your cat developing malignant mammary tumors later in life if she is spayed before her first heat.
Spaying can also help to prevent your cat from developing an infection of the uterus, and of developing cancers of the reproductive organs.
Spaying may also help to eliminate some unwanted behaviors in female cats, including heat-induced howling, increased and overly intense affection, intense rubbing on objects, marking territory with urine, and the desire to wander.
Benefits of Neutering Male Cats
The health benefits of neutering your male cat include a reduction in the risk of your cat developing testicular and prostate cancer.
Male cats that are neutered often show less inclination to fight with other male cats, helping to reduce the risk of serious injuries caused by fighting.
Neutering your male cat may reduce your cat's desire to roam in search of females. Less desire to roam helps to reduce the risk of injury due to traffic accidents as he travels long distances.
Having your male cat fixed may also help to prevent him from spraying around your home and property to mark his territory, and will prevent your cat from fathering countless kittens.
The Best Time to Get Your Cat Fixed
Early or pediatric spay/neuter is typically done at around six to eight weeks of age, while standard spay and neuter is most often performed at around five to six months.
That said, these procedures can be performed at any time during your cat's life as long as they are in good health.
Speak to your vet for advice on when to get your cat fixed.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.