Why spay and neuter?
Spaying or neutering your cat, as well as addressing the needs of outdoor community cats, serves to prevent unwanted litters, thereby contributing to the alleviation of shelter overpopulation. Every year, millions of abandoned animals find themselves in shelters or roaming the streets, with only a fortunate few finding new homes; the rest face the unfortunate fate of euthanasia or succumb to trauma, exposure, starvation, or disease. By opting to spay or neuter your cat, you play a crucial role in averting this tragic situation.
Medical advantages:
Spaying your female cat will contribute to her longer and healthier life by preventing uterine infections and reducing the likelihood of breast tumors. These tumors, found to be cancerous in around 90 percent of cats, become less common when your pet is spayed before her first heat cycle.
For male cats, neutering offers protection against testicular cancer and certain prostate issues.
Behavioral advantages:
A spayed female cat won't experience heat cycles, which can be quite disruptive. Female cats typically go into heat for four to five days every three weeks during the breeding season. During this time, they may yowl and urinate more frequently, sometimes all over the house.
Neutering your male cat can reduce his tendency to wander away from home. Intact males may go to great lengths to find a mate, including escaping from the house. This puts them at risk of traffic accidents and fights with other animals.
Neutering your male cat may also lead to improved behavior. Intact cats are more likely to mark their territory with strong-smelling urine. Early neutering can help prevent some aggression issues.
Furthermore, spaying and neutering your cats is a cost-effective choice. The expense of the surgery is significantly lower than the cost of raising and caring for a litter of kittens.