One of the easiest ways you can help protect your cat's health is by spaying or neutering them. Here, our Argyle vets discuss spaying and neutering and the benefits of getting your cat fixed.
When is the best age to get my cat fixed?
It is possible for kittens to be spayed or neutered between the ages of six to eight weeks old, however on average most spay and neuter surgeries are recommended when the kitten is between five and six months old. That said, it's important to note that as long as your cat or kitten and in good health then there is typically no restrictions on when your cat can be fixed.
The Difference Between Spaying and Neutering
Neutering is the procedure for the sterilization of male animals. This surgery is done by surgically removing the animal's testes. Spaying is the procedure for the sterilization of female animals. Females are sterilized by removing their reproductive organs.
What Are The Benefits of Getting My Cat Fixed?
Female cats that are spayed before their first heat have a reduced risk for malignant mammary tumors later in life.
Spaying also helps to reduce your cat's chances of developing an infection of the uterus, and of developing cancers of the reproductive organs.
Undesirable behaviors in female cats can be reduced with spaying, including; increased and overly intense affection, intense rubbing on objects, marking territory with urine, the desire to wander and heat-induced howling.
Neutering male cats also offers a number of benefits. It reduces unwanted behaviors such as cat aggression and roaming which can help to reduce your cat's risk of injury.
Your male cat's risk of developing testicular and prostate cancer are also reduced with neutering.
One of the biggest issues currently is cat overpopulation. This issue can be reduced through the successful spaying and neutering of pet cats in order to reduce the number of unwanted cats in your area.
More cats are born each year than there are homes available for them. Homeless cats frequently wind up on the streets, and can ultimately end up being euthanized in shelters.
By spaying or neutering your cat, you are helping to reduce the rates of cat homelessness and euthanization in your area.