First-time cat owners often find it difficult to decide if their feline companion should be spayed/neutered or not.
The decision is not an easy one, mainly because it concerns the well being of the cat as well as that of other cats it might come in contact with throughout its lifespan. However, you should take into account that electing to keep the animal intact is the primary reason for the overpopulation in animal shelters.
Every day, perfectly healthy dogs and cats are euthanized simply because there is not enough room to accommodate them. ASPCA records show that no less than 7 out of 10 stray or abandoned cats have to be put under because the supply doesn’t even come close to the adoption demand.
I have an indoor cat, why should I get it spayed/neutered?
You probably noticed by now that cats are naturally curious animals and they tend to explore every crevice in your home, even those you never knew existed. Therefore, it’s probably only a matter of time until it finds a way to escape. When the cat is in heat, it is instinctually drawn to potential mates and will attempt to break out in order to find them.
However, there are other reasons why you should consider spaying/neutering your feline companion, including behavioral changes and health risks. Even if there is absolutely no way your cat could escape and mate, you should take into account the following implications.
Intact male cat issues
A male cat that isn’t neutered tends to become frustrated every time the hormones start acting, which is fairly often. Their instincts are to mark the territory by spraying and constantly attempt to enlarge what he perceives as his “kingdom”.
Furthermore, it’s in the male cat’s nature to attack and fend off competitors. If you have other male cats in your home, tensions will always run high during the mating season. Keep in mind that felines have extremely sharp claws and teeth, so getting into serious fights with each other will result in nasty wounds and potential abscesses.
Intact female cat issues
Female cats that have not been spayed are no walk in the park either. Should it escape, the cat will mate repeatedly with the closest potential partners, subjecting it to risks of developing various diseases. The mating process is also pretty aggressive, so even if the cat doesn’t contract anything more than an unwanted pregnancy, it could still come home pretty beaten up.
At the same time, felines in heat become extremely vocal when the hormones kick in. While you know it’s just a manifestation of frustration, they can be incredibly annoying. Lastly, the stressful nature of recurring heat cycles with no mating constitutes a taxing experience for the organism of the cat. The cancer incidence in felines that have not been spayed is considerably higher.
Surgery really isn’t difficult
If you have been putting off the spaying/neutering because you are concerned about the process and its consequences, let us put your mind at ease. The surgery is extremely low risk in both male and female cases. A female cat will require abdominal sutures post-op for approximately 10 days. Male cats, on the other hand, can be taken home on the same day and require no post-op care.