Is Cat Spaying and Neutering a Good Idea?

Is cat spaying a good idea? After adopting that adorable kitten or rescuing that beautiful cat from the shelter or an abusive situation, you will be faced with the question of whether to have you new addition spayed or neutered. Often known as having your cat fixed, this decision will have a large impact on you and your kitties life for many years. Many cat owners struggle with this decision because they are told that it is mean or cruel and it deprives the cat of its natural desires.

Having your cat spayed or neutered is something most veterinarians recommend for most cats. Many people think that having a cat spayed or neutered is the same thing. Spaying is a surgical procedure that entails the removal of the uterus and ovaries of a female cat. Where neutering is the removal of the male cats testicles.  Spaying is a little more involved and will normally require a longer recovery time. If your concerned about surgery for your cat, discuss it with your vet and have them go over it with you. As a general rule spaying or neutering will add to the lifespan of your kitty and could be better for there health.

Some owners want to allow their female cat to have a litter of kittens before she is spayed. However, spaying a cat before her first heat cycle reduces her risk of mammary cancer, and with the serious cat overpopulation problem, why would you choose to add to that by allowing your cat to reproduce? Female cats don't have an inherent need to be mothers. If you want kittens around without having to keep them permanently, consider checking with your local animal shelter or humane society. Many of them have foster programs that may allow you to keep kittens temporarily in your home.

In addition to the health and community benefits of spaying or neutering, it also can help avoid behavior problems in your cat. Neutered male cats are less aggressive and territorial and tend to be more affectionate. Spayed female cats avoid the complications of going into heat: yowling, attracting males, and menstrual cycles. Both genders are less likely to develop problems with urine spraying after they have been altered.

There is some debate in the veterinary community about what age is best for altering cats. Traditionally, cats have been altered at 6 months of age. However, this caused more cats to go unaltered, since people would adopt kittens from shelters and fail to get them fixed at the appropriate age. It has now become common for shelters to spay and neuter kittens before adoption, as early as 8 weeks of age. There doesn't appear to be a problem with early spaying and neutering. However, if you are uncomfortable with it, it's not necessary to alter your cat at such a young age.

It's considered to be best to have your kitty fixed (which is another term for spayed or neutered) before they become matured sexually. So why is cat spaying a good idea?  It can help eliminate many cat behavior problems. It will help with the over population problem, and it's considered as good for your kitties overall health. And did we mention most veterinarians recommend it.