The Pros and Cons of Neutering Your Cat

You have recently added a new kitten to your family and you are considering the pros and cons of neutering your cat. Most veterinarians strongly recommend neutering male cats, but you are not quite sure if this is the best option for you and your cat. While you may feel that neutering is a cruel punishment for your cat, there are actually many great reasons for this procedure. In fact, neutering obviously prevents unwanted kittens, but the procedure can also have a positive impact on the overall health of your cat. But, what is this procedure and what are some of the pros and cons of neutering your cat.

A Definition

Simply put, neutering is the removal of the reproductive organs of an animal. More specifically, neutering refers to the removal of a male animal's reproductive organs, while spaying is the procedure for female animals. Humane societies, rescue groups, veterinarians, and animal shelters all support neutering as a sterilization method in cats in order to prevent unwanted litters and overpopulation of unwanted animals. In North America, neutering is by far the most common method for sterilizing male cats.

The Surgery

In cats, neutering involves castration or the removal of the testicles. Through castration, the source of sperm and testosterone is removed thereby ensuring the male cannot impregnate a female, while also reducing sexual activity in the cat. During the procedure, your cat will be given a general anaesthetic to ensure they are unconscious and cannot feel anything. Two small incisions are made through the scrotum and the testicles are removed. In preparation for the procedure, your cat should not have any food or water for several hours before neutering.

Most veterinarians recommend that neutering be done when your cat is around 6 months of age. Still, depending on your situation and your cat, this age may very. In some cases, neutering is done when a cat is as young as 8 weeks. Rehabilitation is much easier for younger cats, but generally speaking male cats return to normal behaviour within a day or two of the surgery.

The Pros of Neutering

So what are some of the benefits of neutering? First and foremost, as male cats reach sexual maturity they may begin to develop some undesirable habits. They may begin to mark their territory by spraying urine around your home, and they may even attempt to increase their territory by spraying in your yard and neighbourhood. Neutered cats do not usually spray.

Another major benefit of neutering is that it prevents reproduction and unwanted litters of animals. While the owner of a male cat may not be concerned about unwanted kittens, the fact that a male may be responsible for many dozens of offspring should not be overlooked. Unwanted litters of kittens are often euthanized because there is nobody to care for them.

Finally, neutered cats are at a much lower risk of certain health problems, most obviously testicular cancer.

The Cons of Neutering

Obviously, if you are interested in breeding your cat, you do not want him neutered. Also, recent research suggests that spayed and neutered animals are more likely to become obese. Mating animals exert a lot of energy seeking a mate and reproducing, but without this energy expenditure some cats do not have the same opportunity to burn calories.

Nevertheless, a responsible pet owner should be aware that there are millions of unwanted cats living in North America. In order to prevent even more overpopulation, neutering is crucial.

For more information on neutering your cat please visit Steveston Animal Hospital in Richmond BC

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