The Truth About Spaying And Neutering Your Cats And Kittens

Although some people have no qualms about having a female spayed as

they do not want her to have kittens, they may balk at having a male neutered. If you let him outdoors, however, you may be responsible for contributing to the number of unwanted cats and kittens that are destroyed each year by humane societies.

Neutering a male cat or removing the testicles is a simple procedure and could avoid problems an unaltered cat may experience. Intact males are more susceptible to disease such as feline immunodeficiency virus or FIV, passed on in close contact, and to injuries acquired in fights with other cats or by being hit by cars while searching for females.

The myth that an altered cat will become grossly overweight and no longer be a playful companion is not true. Because of the decreased activity associated with neutering, he may not require as much food or may require food with a lower fat content.

Very often, he will revert to his kittenish self and become even more playful, since he will not be distracted by the mating urge. He will tend to give you much more affection than previously. Also, there is no truth to the myth that a neutered male is more susceptible to urinary tract disease.

You should follow the advice of your veterinarian about when to have your cat spayed or neutered. Kittens of both sexes can be neutered or spayed from about eight weeks of age. Many veterinarians, however, are more comfortable with performing these procedures on older cats, when they are about six months old.

Factors that may affect the decision about when to spay and neuter include the cat’s size and health status. Each cat differs as to his development but aside from the obvious signs of fully developed testicles, you will notice that his behavior has changed radically.

Overnight, he may go from a frisky kitten to an aggressive male who plays too roughly with you and the other cars. If this happens, it is a clear sign that it is time to have him neutered.

Spaying or neutering costs should be considered when deciding to add a cat to your household. The cost of altering a cat varies from place to place. The fees may seem expensive, but they pale in comparison with the potential fees involved with treating an unaltered male for wounds that result from fighting with other tomcats if you let him outdoors.

They are also less expensive than replacing your carpet or furniture because of spraying. Most vets set their fees at a price most cat owners can afford. If you are on a limited income and cannot afford the full price, contact your town authorities and local veterinarians to locate a low cost neutering program.