Reasons to Spay or Neuter Your Cat

Pets/Animals - Cats/Cat Breeds

By: PriscillaBenfield 16-Jan-2011

Introduction:

A cat can be a great family pet or a pet for someone who lives alone. Cats can be left alone for several hours at a time and you do not need to walk them. Spaying or neutering your cat is something that you should do and here are 5 reasons why.

Spraying

A cat that is not spayed or neutered will "mark" which in plain english means it will spray urine in your home. Male cat urine is virtually impossible to get out of fabrics and carpets. No matter what you have heard, getting rid of the smell is extremely hard to do. This is a reason to neuter or spay your cat. (yes, female cats "mark" also when in heat)

Heat

Speaking of a cat in heat, have you ever experienced a female cat in heat. It may seem funny on cartoons but in real life the howling and crying can seem to last for days. You know the cat is in "pain" when she is rolling around on the floor and is overly affectionate. The best thing to avoid this is to get your cat spayed.

Overpopulation

Just because you adopted a cat that you plan on keeping inside all the time doesn't mean you shouldn't spay or neuter it. It will try to get outside when it is in heat and then there will be unwanted kittens somewhere. It is irresponsible for a pet owner to not spay or neuter and allow their cat to add to the growing problem of feral cats.

Health Issues

Cats live longer, healthier lives when they are spayed or neutered. You love that cat that you adopted so do right by it and get it spayed or neutered.

Fights

Neutered or spayed cats are calmer and will get along in a multi-cat household better than ones who are not fixed. Not to mention you can count on having a certain number of cats without any "surprises"

Final Thoughts

Some shelters will give a discount certificate to get their cat or dog fixed when they adopt a pet. Animal groups like Friends of Animals also offer low-cost spay and neuter certificates.

Supporting Links

How to Bathe Your Cat

Give this list a high five!

Comments

Post a Comment

hummingbirdee 3/8/2012
Flag This Comment

Everyone with a cat should read this.
IzzyDuncan 1/17/2011
Flag This Comment

We weren't going to have our indoor cat spayed until she repeatedly did flying squirrel leaps onto lamps and furniture for days on end. It's no wonder the vet looked at us as curious cat owners when we said we were going to pass on the procedure. We ended up taking her back for the operation and all has been calm since. We're minus a few living room lamps and several glass vases, but our cat is a jewel!
workhomeunion 1/17/2011
Flag This Comment

you're so right about #5, they are calmer, and this applies to dogs as well, don't have much experience with cats .. but did have a poodle neutered, or spayed, not sure which is for what gender ??
jseven 1/16/2011
Flag This Comment

I totally agree. My friend spends hundreds of dollars catching feral cats and nursing them as well as getting them fixed. If only every cat owner was responsible.
clewand550 1/16/2011
Flag This Comment

All great reasons.