Get the pros and cons of spaying and neutering your cat.
Should you do it?
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Introduction
In the United States, it is estimated that between 30-40% of households have a cat as a pet. A big part of being a responsible cat owner is having your cat spayed or neutered. Spaying is the surgical removal of a female cat’s ovaries and uterus. Neutering is the surgical removal of a male cat’s testicles. There are many benefits to having your cat spayed or neutered, including reducing the number of homeless cats, reducing the risk of health problems, and improving your cat’s behavior.
The Pros of Neutering
One of the main reasons to neuter your cat is to help reduce the number of homeless cats. There are already too many animals in shelters, and by spaying or neutering your cat, you can help reduce the number of animals that need homes. Other benefits of spaying or neutering your cat include reducing the risk of certain cancers and helping to prevent your cat from spraying.
It Reduces the Number of Unwanted Pets
Each year, millions of cats are euthanized in shelters because there are simply not enough homes for them all. By spaying or neutering your cat, you are helping to reduce this number. In addition, you are also likely to find that your local shelters will offer discounts on adoption fees for spayed or neutered cats.
It May Improve Your Cat’s Health
Whileno scientific study has been done on the health benefits of neutering, it is generally accepted that there are health benefits to neutering both males and females.
For males, neutering prevents testicular cancer and greatly reduces the risk of prostate cancer. For females, neutering prevents ovarian cancer and uterine cancer. In addition, spaying (neutering a female) before her first heat nearly eliminates the chance of her developing breast cancer later in life.
It May Change Your Cat’s Behavior in a Positive Way
Cats that are not neutered can often exhibit some undesirable behaviors, such as spraying urine to mark their territory, roaming around outside (which can be dangerous), and being more aggressive. Neutering your cat may help to lessen or eliminate some of these behaviors.
The Cons of Neutering
There are a number of reasons why people choose to neuter their cats. However, there are also some cons to this decision that are important to consider. One of the biggest cons is that it can increase the risk of urinary tract infections. This is because the cat’s urethra is longer after they are neutered and urine can sit in the bladder for longer, which can lead to infections. There are also some behavioral changes that can occur after a cat is neutered, such as increased aggression or spraying.
It is a Permanent Procedure
One of the main cons of neutering is that it is a permanent procedure. Once your cat is neutered, there is no going back. This is a big decision to make and one that you should not take lightly. There are many things to consider before making the decision to neuter your cat.
Another con of neutering is that it can be expensive. The cost of neutering can range from $40 to $100, depending on the vet and the type of procedure performed. Some people may not be able to afford to have their cat neutered, which could lead to more homeless cats and kittens.
There are also potential health risks associated with neutering, which is something else to consider before making the decision. These risks include:
-Anesthesia: There are always risks associated with anesthesia, even in healthy animals.
-Infection: There is a small risk of infection at the incision site.
-Bleeding: There is a small risk of excessive bleeding during or after surgery.
-Pain: Neutering can cause pain and discomfort for your cat, although this usually goes away within a few days.
It is a Costly Procedure
While the cost of having your cat neutered has come down in recent years, it is still a significant expense for many pet owners. The average cost of neutering a male cat is between $30 and $100, while the average cost of spaying a female cat is between $50 and $150. In some cases, these costs can be even higher.
It May Change Your Cat’s Behavior in a Negative Way
While there are some behavior benefits to neutering your cat, there are also some potential negatives. For example, your cat may become less active and even lazy after neutering. This is because they no longer have the urge to mate, so they may not see the need to be as active. In addition, neutered cats may start urinating inside the house more frequently. This is because their hormones are no longer regulating their urinary system properly. If your cat is already prone to urinary issues, neutering may make them worse.
The Bottom Line
The bottom line is that there are pros and cons to neutering your cat. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to neuter your cat is a personal one that you will need to make based on your own circumstances and beliefs. However, it is important to be informed about the potential risks and benefits of neutering before making a decision.
