Spaying and neutering your cat does much more than just prevent them from having kittens, it also helps to prevent a lot of unwanted behaviors and some potentially life-threatening illnesses. Our Wake Forest vets are here to discuss five reasons you should get your cat spayed or neutered.
What is spaying and neutering?
When we talk getting a cat 'fixed' we are using a generic term for the spaying and neutering of a pet. Spaying is the sterilization female animals by removing their reproductive organs. Neutering is the sterilization of male animals by removing the testes.
Why should I get my cat fixed?
1. Protect your cat's health
Spaying a female cat, especially before the first heat, helps prevent uterine infections, uterine cancers, and breast cancer. Neutering male cats eliminate the chances of testicular cancer and lower the risk of prostate problems. Generally, spayed and neutered pets live healthier, longer, and happier lives.
2. Enjoy a more behaved cat
Spayed or neutered cats are better behaved. They will be less likely to roam, yowl, wail, bite, display aggressive behavior, or spray or mark their territory. Intact males will do just about anything they can to find mates, including escaping from your home, which puts them at risk of injury or fights with other males. Roaming can also expose your cat to dangerous diseases, including feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency virus.
3. Fight overpopulation
Millions of healthy cats are euthanized in the U.S. each year because there aren't enough homes available? Spaying and neutering can help control the pet overpopulation crisis and reduces the number of strays, which end up in shelters instead of loving homes. Unfortunately, many end up homeless and are left to fend for themselves.
4. More cost-effective
The long-term costs you could incur by not spaying or neutering your furry friend can be excessive. Treating cancers of the reproductive system can be quite costly, as is caring for a new cat litter. Additionally, unaltered pets can be more destructive and may engage in serious fights with neighborhood strays, often requiring pricey treatments.
5. Your cat will be happier to stay home
One of the reasons neutered cats live so much longer is that they are less likely to wander away from home and fight with other male cats. Neutering stops the production of testosterone. This hormone causes aggressive behavior.
As a pet owner, it is your responsibility to protect your pet's health. The benefits of spaying and neutering speak for themselves. If you want to have a cat who is happy, healthy, and calm, speak to a veterinary surgeon in Wake Forest to schedule your cat's surgery. There are many spay and neuter clinics in Wake Forest that can handle these common animal surgeries with minimal complications, whether it be a cat or dog in need of a spay or neuter, you can trust our vets at North Wake Animal Hospital to take care of them.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.