Spaying or neutering your cat

Did you know that when a male cat is castrated before they begin marking their territory with urine they usually never develop that disruptive behavior?

Health benefits of spayed or neutered pets

One of the best veterinary health care choices you can make is to spay or neuter your cat. Scheduling this surgery early in your pet's life helps prevent future problems including tumors or cancer of the reproductive organs, behavior problems such as fighting, roaming, marking and, of course, pet overpopulation. Older female cats that have not been spayed can develop serious uterine infections that can be dangerous and expensive to treat. Neutering your male cat decreases prostate tumors and eliminates testicular tumors.

Getting a pet spayed and neutered is very common

The most common surgeries for cats are spaying and neutering. Spaying is an ovariohysterectomy where the ovaries, fallopian tubes and the uterus are removed from a female pet. Neutering is a castration where both testicles are removed from a male pet. The procedures are common but are major surgery requiring complete general anesthesia and a hospital stay with careful monitoring by the medical team.

Decision time - getting a pet spayed or neutered

Of course, the decision to have your pet spayed or neutered is entirely yours. However, spaying and neutering is very important to reduce pet overpopulation so all pets can enjoy a good home. Millions of cats and dogs are euthanized annually or lead short, painful lives as strays. Typically, spays and neuters are performed when the pet is less than six months old and before reaching sexual maturity. Your veterinarian will discuss the surgical options with you and help you pick the right time for your pet.