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Should You Spay or Neuter Your Cat?

Taking care of kittens is a huge responsibility and not one to be undertaken lightly. For most people, their cat is a much-loved companion, so we want to make the best decision for their care. So assuming you don’t want to have kittens and wish to leave this to the experts, should you neuter or spay your cat?
Added on: 30 Jul, 2022 Posted by: Sandra James 6 min read (911 words)

In this guide:

The decision to spay or neuter your cat will be one of the biggest decisions you make regarding your cat's health and welfare and the welfare of other cats.

Rescue Centre Cat

If your cat has come from a rescue centre, it will likely already have been spayed or neutered. The rescue centre should provide you with their medical history and let you know if this is the case.

Breeding Cat

If you purchased your cat from a breeder, you should first consider whether you wish your cat to be the dam or sire to a litter of kittens. Reputable breeders will be licensed by their local council and adhere to strict requirements to ensure the best health for their cats and kittens. They will have experience caring for the breed they work with and be highly knowledgeable about them, as you probably know from when you chose your cat.

Why Should You Spay or Neuter Your Cat?

If you wish for your cat to spend time outdoors, then if it is not neutered or spayed, there is a chance that you could become kitten grandparents. This is not something you want to risk! So, for an outdoor cat, neutering or spaying is essential for your cat to be able to embrace and enjoy the wider world. Some people may feel as long as they keep their cats indoors, there is no need to have them spayed or neutered. 

Pet overpopulation isn't the only reason to spay or neuter your cat. There are health and behavioural implications as well. The big benefits to your cat (and us as their owners) are many:

  • Unneutered male cats will be on a mission to roam, increase their territory, find a mate and fight competitors. If you allow your cat outdoors, you'll put him at risk of injury or even death as he fights other males while searching for a female in heat. Unneutered males tend to roam beyond their usual territory in search of females. Your cat may enter the territory of a tougher male, and the result of that fight could be tragic.
  • Reduced risk of FIV + FeLV. These are viral diseases that have no treatment and result in the early death of cats. There are vaccinations available, but these are not 100%. They are often spread by fighting, and the local risk varies by region. If you can reduce fighting, you can reduce the risk of catching these diseases.
  • An unneutered male will mate, and the result adds to cat overpopulation. If the female with whom he mates is a stray cat, then those kittens will likely also live an outdoor life where they will continue to mate. Cats are prolific breeders – one unneutered female cat can produce 18 kittens a year!
  • If your cat is an indoor kitty, that behaviour will be directed at other cats in the household. The spraying will be directed at your furniture and belongings. Spaying or neutering your cat will probably stop your cat from spraying in the house. It can also reduce aggression, particularly in male cats. You can read about common behavioural problems with cats and how neutering or spaying can help here.
  • Spaying your kitten when she is 4 to 6 months old will eliminate the risk of developing mammary cancer when she's older. Additionally, spaying your kitten prevents many different infections and cancers that occur in the uterus and ovaries. 
  • Neutering your male cat will also eliminate the possibility of testicular cancer and decrease the possibility of pancreatic cancer.
  • Don't assume just because your cat is an indoor cat it won't contribute to overpopulation or endure any of the suffering associated with life outdoors as a cat that hasn't been spayed or neutered. Cats escape from their homes every day. Your cat could easily slip out the door!

What Does Spaying or Neutering Involve?

Spaying refers to female cats and neutering to male cats. Both terms refer to surgically preventing your cat from being able to reproduce. The RSPCA recommends cats be neutered or spayed before they are four months old. The surgical spaying and neutering procedure is done in a vet's office under general anaesthesia. Your vet will explain it all to you and give you specific instructions for pre-and post-operative care. 

What are the Risks of Spaying or Neutering Your Cat?

The risks of surgery to have your cat neutered or spayed are very low. Having your cat neutered or spayed will protect them from the risk of certain conditions, like prostate diseases and other diseases spread by close contact with other cats.

Where to Go for Advice

If you are unsure about the best option for your cat, you should talk to your local vet. They will be able to talk you through the options, the risks and the benefits and reassure you with their experience. 

Sandra James

Sandra James

Owner & Founder

The Cat Butler was set up by Sandra James in recognition of the fact that a stay in a cattery can be unsettling for many cats and also their owners.

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