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Is cat spaying for you? When you first bring home your adorable new kitten (or perhaps even an adult cat), your first worry isn’t usually whether to spay or neuter your new family member. But getting your cat “fixed” will have a major impact on your kitty’s life in years to come. Some owners worry that altering their cats is cruel or that it deprives their cat of natural desires.

cat spaying tips
Most veterinarians that having your cat spayed or neutered is usually best for most cats. Neutering is a surgical procedure that removes the male cats testicles. Spaying is a surgical procedure that removes the uterus and ovaries from the female cat. Of the two surgeries, spaying is more involved and thus typically requires a little longer recovery time. Both surgeries are considered routine and have a low chance of any problems or complications. Check with your veterinary for all the details. Cats that have been spayed or neutered have longer lifespans, and is considered to be beneficial to your cats overall health.

cat behaviour tips
We hear of some cat owners that want their kitty to have at least one litter of kittens before having her spayed. This is obviously the owners choice, but keep in mind that having her spayed before her first heat cycle reduces the risk of mammary cancer. Most shelters are overwhelmed with cats, especially older ones. Everyone wants that cute kitten and the sad news many older cats are euthanized. Plus all the stray cats out scavenging around for any meal they can find. If you want kittens, check with your local shelter or just the free add section of your local papers.

problems with cats
The benefits are many, we’ve discussed health and community benefits. There are way too many kitties without a good home. Also many behavior problems can be eliminated by cat spaying and neutering. Female cats that have been spayed will not go into heat and thus won’t have any of the problems associated with that. Male cats won’t come and leave their calling card (cat pee at your doors or around your home, and the cat odor that comes with it). It can also eliminate yowling and squaling that female cats often do while in heat. A neutered male cat will tend to be much more affectionate. They will also be less likely to spray, and will tend to be less aggressive.

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.

The important thing is that it is recommended that your cat is altered before reaching sexual maturity or going into her first heat cycle. To summarize, cat spaying and neutering is good for your cat’s health, helps prevent overpopulation, and prevents future behavior problems. Veterinarians recommend altering your cat. Do the right thing; have your cat spayed or neutered!