If you've recently adopted a kitten or adult cat, you may wonder when to spay or neuter them. Our Babcock Ranch veterinarians explain why this is beneficial for your pet and the community.
Should You Get Your Cat Fixed?
It is highly recommended that you spay or neuter your cats. The animal shelters across Babcock Ranch are overflowing with stray cats and kittens. According to the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), approximately 3.2 million cats enter animal shelters in the US every year. By having your new kitten fixed, you can significantly reduce the number of homeless cats in your area and lower your cat's risk of contracting diseases and prevent many unwanted cat behaviors.
What is the Best Age to Spay a Kitten?
It is recommended that cats be spayed or neutered at four months old or before they reach sexual maturity to protect them against several health risks. However, cats of any age can undergo the procedure if they are healthy. If you're unsure about the right time to get your cat fixed, just consult your vet. They can help you decide when to get your cat spayed or neutered.
How Are Spaying and Neutering Different?
There are differences when it comes to spaying and neutering your cat because spaying and neutering are different procedures for different gendered cats.
When a female cat is spayed, the vet surgically removes her uterus and ovaries, or sometimes just the ovaries, to prevent her from having kittens. On the other hand, male cats are neutered or castrated during the fixing process. This means that the vet surgically removes the cat's testicles so that he is no longer able to father kittens.
Benefits of Spaying Your Female Cat
Controlling the Number of Homeless Cats
Did you know that female cats can start having kittens before they are six months old? They can have up to four litters in a year, and each litter can contain as many as 10 kittens. This means your cat could have up to 40 kittens in a year! It's important to remember that all these newborn kittens will need homes.
Reduce the Risk of Diseases
When you have your kitten spayed before she has her first heat cycle, it can reduce your cat's risk of developing breast cancer later in life and eliminate the possibility of your cat developing pyometra (a potentially fatal infection of the womb).
Protect Wildlife in Your Neighborhood
It is widely believed that cats pose a threat to the ecosystem. In the United States alone, it is estimated that cats kill between 1.4 billion and 3.7 billion birds every year. Domesticated cats are also responsible for the extinction of at least 63 species. By reducing the number of homeless cats, you can contribute to the protection of birds and other small animals.
Deter Unwanted Behaviors
If you spay your female cat, it can help keep male cats away from your backyard. This is because unspayed female cats attract male cats from the neighborhood. Male cats that are not neutered tend to spray, fight, and make noise, which can be problematic for your garden and household.
Benefits of Neutering Your Male Cat
Reduced Numbers of Unwanted Kittens
One male cat who is not neutered can simultaneously make many female cats pregnant. Having your male cat neutered can play a significant role in helping to reduce the number of homeless cats in your neighborhood.
Reduced Risk of Health Problems
Neutering your cat can be beneficial in many ways. It can help reduce cat aggression, which may lead to fewer injuries from cat fights. Additionally, neutering can lower the risk of your cat contracting FIV (immunodeficiency virus) or FeLV (Feline leukemia virus). By neutering your male cat, you can also curb his tendency to roam, which in turn reduces the risk of getting injured by a vehicle.
Helps to Reduce Spraying
Male cats who have not been neutered are more likely to spray urine inside the home and try to escape outside than neutered males. Neutering a male kitten at a young age can prevent territorial and mating behaviors, including spraying, from developing.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.