Neutering: Questions and Answers

Today, more and more people are having their cats neutered. Why? Because people who live with cats discover the many benefits of neutering. This article highlights those benefits and answers some frequently asked questions. If you have others, ask your veterinarian.

The Overpopulation Problem

Put simply, this means more pets are born than there are homes for them. Because of this, more than 10 million dogs and cats are euthanized every year in the USA because no one wants them — many of them not old, injured, sick, or aggressive, but young, healthy, and playful. Because of the overpopulation problem, steps must be taken to prevent uncontrolled breeding. One solution is having your pet neutered.

What Is Neutering?

Neutering removes a cat's ability to reproduce. It involves the surgical removal of the uterus and ovaries in female cats, and the testicles in males. The procedures are performed under full anesthesia, are safe, routine, and relatively painless — a neutered cat is usually ready to play again the very next day.

What Are the Benefits?

Neutered pets are no longer driven by their mating instinct, are often more affectionate toward family members, and are less likely to roam the streets or get into fights with other cats — which protects them from injury, and their owners from steep vet bills.

Isn't It Expensive?

Prices vary, but most clinics keep neutering costs reasonably low. It's a one-time expense, minimal compared to the cost of repeated treatment after roaming or fighting, the care of a pregnant cat (including a possible C-section), and the expense of raising kittens.

How Long Does It Take?

At most clinics, the cat is dropped off in the morning and can be picked up again later that same day or the next.

Will My Cat's Personality Change?

Most owners of neutered animals notice no difference in personality. If there is a difference, it tends to be toward more affectionate, attention-seeking behavior.

My Cat Never Goes Outside — Why Neuter Her?

Accidents happen — an uninvited guest can always find a way in. Neutered cats tend to be calmer, easier to care for, and more affectionate. Contrary to popular belief, neutering doesn't make a cat fat and lazy — it simply changes its metabolism, so the cat needs less food. Neutered cats are also cheaper to register.

For Owners of Female Cats

• Less likely to develop cancer or pyometra (a common uterine infection in unneutered females).
• Females in heat mark and urinate in unwanted places, yowl loudly for hours, and attract noisy males that disturb the neighbors.
• Pregnant females eat significantly more — both during pregnancy and while raising their litter.
• Raising kittens is an expensive, time-consuming undertaking, involving feeding, deworming, vaccinating, and finding good homes.

For Owners of Male Cats

• Less likely to suffer from reproductive-gland disorders, which can lead to kidney disease.
• Unneutered males typically spray urine to mark their territory both inside and outside the home. Neutering at an early age often eliminates this problem.