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.
You can look at westhighland terriers and know if it... Read More
The wearing of charms dates back to 400 or 500... Read More
I'm a pariah among the dog fanciers in my community.... Read More
In the last decade or so, the popularity of sugar... Read More
Even if you haven't had a run-in involving your pet... Read More
Are you nuts? You think banging your finger with a... Read More
Attention breeders, livestock owners and pet lovers! *Pets looking for... Read More
The idea of picking up a horse's hooves can intimidate... Read More
She is the protector of cats, women and children. The... Read More
* Lock things up that could cause harm* Keep the... Read More
Puppy development and growth is very exciting. After a puppy... Read More
The trick of "sitting up" is easily taught to small... Read More
There are many places to find Westie merchandise, but before... Read More
"Doggy breath" ? that unpleasant odor emanating from the mouths... Read More
Maintaining your fish bowl can be difficult sometimes. However, your... Read More
Gone are the days of boring bird cages. Today's bird... Read More
Dogs and kids, it's a combination that at it's best... Read More
Kittens communicate in a very distinct way. Did you know... Read More
There are thousands of local and online Pet Stores but... Read More
As a business, I've not been in the holistic pet... Read More
Internet Fraud, Classifieds Scams, Abuse and Suspicious Replies are world... Read More
Anyone wanting a new kitten should be a cat lover.... Read More
Dog eye problems can occur at any time. You should... Read More
Having a cat allergy came as something of a surprise... Read More
Until a very recent period, dog worms were thought to... Read More
A new puppy is a joyous addition to any home.... Read More
Ok, so everyone who stays on top of the show... Read More
Fleas are wingless, blood-sucking insects that feed on dog, cats,... Read More
If you have never seen a Shar Pei before, the... Read More
Congratulations on your choice to bring home a West Highland... Read More
After years of practicing both conventional and holistic medicine for... Read More
Nearly every puppy in the world is born with roundworms.... Read More
Last summer, we added a new pet to our family... Read More
Canine mastitis is a breast infection in brood bitches, usually... Read More
While dogs tend to get lots of exercise, cats are... Read More
Unfortunately, accidents can - and DO happen, so it's always... Read More
Training your dog to obey commands is an important part... Read More
An easier and more pleasant journey with your chosen Boxer... Read More
Perhaps the best way to train your westie pups not... Read More
Pomeranians have tiny mouths and itty bitty teeth, but not... Read More
Training your dog can be time consuming and frustrating at... Read More
Dogs are a fantastic edition to any family but like... Read More
Hamsters are soft, furry and small. They make wonderful pets... Read More
A poorly trained dog is a nuisance and can even... Read More
Dog fashions are all the rage and have become quite... Read More
Aggression behavior in a dog is a normal form of... Read More
My dog has fleas. That one statement is enough to... Read More
Is there anything more cute and cuddly than tiny little... Read More
In the last decade or so, the popularity of sugar... Read More
Does your dog have that sheepish look? It could be... Read More
Pet Pet |