7 Good Reasons to Have Your Cat Spayed or Neutered

Every year, many cat owners decide to get their cat spayed or neutered. This decision is made for several different reasons, all of which illustrate why it is such a good idea.

The many problems caused by un-spayed or un-neutered pets each year are part of what has prompted numerous humane societies to require that any adopted animals be promptly spayed or neutered as a condition of adoption. Many of the problems that are listed below would be alleviated if more people took the time to get their pets spayed or neutered.

With that kept in mind, here are the top seven reasons to have your cat spayed or neutered.

1. The most important reason is simply that there are too many unwanted litters of kittens. Millions of cats are euthanized each year. 90% of these animals would be acceptable for adoption into families, unfortunately, there simply are not enough families looking for cats to give these animals a good home. A single un-spayed female cat can produce three litters per year, with an average of four to six kittens per litter.

2. Unwanted cats that are not euthanized or adopted are often abandoned and become feral. It is estimated that the feral cat population is as large as the current number of cats that have homes. Feral cats can carry diseases as well as harm the populations of wild rodents and birds. As a result, a large feral cat population can have a damaging effect on the environment. By having your own cat spayed or neutered, you can ensure that your pet will not contribute to the growing problem.

3. Un-spayed female cats go into heat several times a year. By spaying your cat, you can prevent several unwanted behaviors, including spraying, hours of yowling, and you will not have to confine your cat for several weeks out of the year.

4. Male cats that have not been neutered are also more difficult to care for. Sexually mature male cats often feel a need to mark their territory. Also, the mating instincts in un-neutered cats cannot be curbed or controlled, and often these male cats will wander off for days at a time in search of a female that is in heat. Sometimes when male cats wander they get lost and do not come home. By neutering your cat, you can prevent this.

5. It is better for your cat's health to be spayed or neutered. For example, female cats that are spayed before their first heat will have a reduced chance of mammary cancer, and will be unable to develop pyometra, which is a serious uterine condition that can cause death. Also, an unwanted pregnancy in an already ill or aging cat can be fatal. Male cats which have been neutered have less chance of being injured in fights over females, or of developing prostate problems

6. Spayed or neutered cats are often more friendly with their owners than they would usually be. Not only are the cats more friendly, but as has been mentioned before, there are fewer unwanted behaviors for their owners to contend with. It's much easier to have a good relationship with your cat when you don't have to worry about all of the unfortunate situations that come up after your pet has reached sexual maturity.

7. Getting your cat spayed or neutered will save you money in the long run. First, it can save you money by eliminating the need to replace furniture that has been damaged by a female cat in heat, or a male cat marking its territory. Next, since the procedure is fairly cheap, it may save you a lot of money by preventing health problems in your pets.

Something to remember: You should still get your cat spayed or neutered, even if you don't think that you can afford the procedure. Look around in your area for cheap or even free services.

About The Author

Larry Chamberlain is the webmaster of www.best-cat-art.com and a lifelong cat lover. He lives in London England.

catarticle@best-cat-art.com



Are Westhighland Terriers the Right Dogs for You?

You can look at westhighland terriers and know if it... Read More

Charming Trends in Dog Jewelry

The wearing of charms dates back to 400 or 500... Read More

How Many Dogs Are Too Many?

I'm a pariah among the dog fanciers in my community.... Read More

Sugar Gliders: Tiny Acrobats

In the last decade or so, the popularity of sugar... Read More

Whats the Real Deal on Pet Insurance?

Even if you haven't had a run-in involving your pet... Read More

The Fun of Do It Yourself Snake and other Reptile Cages

Are you nuts? You think banging your finger with a... Read More

Pets Looking for Humans, Humans Looking for Pets

Attention breeders, livestock owners and pet lovers! *Pets looking for... Read More

Picking Up A Horses Hoof

The idea of picking up a horse's hooves can intimidate... Read More

Bast, The Beloved Protector of Cats

She is the protector of cats, women and children. The... Read More

Make Your Home Cat-Safe - How To Keep Your Cat Happy and Healthy

* Lock things up that could cause harm* Keep the... Read More

Puppy Development

Puppy development and growth is very exciting. After a puppy... Read More

?Sit Up? Buddy: Training Your Dog To Sit Like You

The trick of "sitting up" is easily taught to small... Read More

Westie Merchandise that Benefits your Dog

There are many places to find Westie merchandise, but before... Read More

Why Does My Dog Have Bad Breath?

"Doggy breath" ? that unpleasant odor emanating from the mouths... Read More

Maintaining your Fish Bowls

Maintaining your fish bowl can be difficult sometimes. However, your... Read More

Wooden Bird Cages

Gone are the days of boring bird cages. Today's bird... Read More

Dogs & Kids: Happy Together

Dogs and kids, it's a combination that at it's best... Read More

Secrets of Kitty Body Language

Kittens communicate in a very distinct way. Did you know... Read More

How Do Your Customer View Your Pet Business?

There are thousands of local and online Pet Stores but... Read More

Holistic Pet Care?From a Distinctly Christian Perspective

As a business, I've not been in the holistic pet... Read More

Protecting Yourself From Online Pet Classifieds Scams!

Internet Fraud, Classifieds Scams, Abuse and Suspicious Replies are world... Read More

Cats Make Great Pets If You Understand Them

Anyone wanting a new kitten should be a cat lover.... Read More

Dog Eye Problems - What To Watch Out For

Dog eye problems can occur at any time. You should... Read More

Im Allergic To My Cat!

Having a cat allergy came as something of a surprise... Read More

Wormy Dogs? - Understand Dog Worms Infestation and Their Symptoms

Until a very recent period, dog worms were thought to... Read More

If you'd like to keep up-to-date,
please complete the form below and we'll put you on the mailing list
to receive our twice-yearly newsletter for supporters

* Your email address:
* choes your language: