Should you get your cat fixed?
Animal shelters throughout Memphis are filled with homeless cats and kittens. According to one estimate from the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), around 3.2 million cats enter US animal shelters annually.
Not only will getting your new kitten fixed help to significantly reduce the number of homeless cats in your area, it can also reduce your cat's risk of disease, and help to curb many undesirable cat behaviors.
When should you get your cat fixed?
Spaying and neutering kittens at four months, before they reach sexual maturity, offers the best protection against a number of health risks. However, adult cats can also be spayed or neutered. If you're unsure about when to get your cat fixed, just ask your vet, they can help you decide when to get your cat spayed or neutered.
How are spaying and neutering different?
When we talk about getting a cat 'fixed' what does that actually mean?
Spay
When we fix female cats it's called spaying. Spaying means that the vet surgically removes the cat's uterus and ovaries, or sometimes just the ovaries, so that your cat is unable to have kittens.
Neuter
Male cats are neutered or castrated when we get them fixed. This means that the vet surgically removes the cat's testes so that your cat is no longer able to father kittens.
Benefits of Spaying Your Female Cat
Controlling the number of unwanted cats in your area
Your beautiful new kitten may be able to have kittens of her own before she is even six months old. Not only that, female cats can have up to four litters a year, and each litter can be made up of as many as 10 kittens! That means your cat could have as many as 40 kittens every year! That is a lot of unwanted cats.
Reduce your cat's risk of disease
Having your kitten spayed before she has her first heat cycle 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
In the USA it is estimated that cats kill between 1.4 billion and 3.7 billion birds annually. By reducing the population of homeless cats, you are also helping to protect birds and other small animals.
Deter unwanted behaviors
Spaying your female cat can help to keep male cats out of your backyard. When female cats are unspayed, they attract the attention of neighborhood male cats. Unneutered male cats hanging around your house and garden can be problematic since these males have a tendency to spray, fight and howl.
Benefits of Neutering Your Male Cat
Reduced numbers of unwanted kittens
One unneutered male cat can 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 many common health issues
Neutering can help to reduce cat aggression and may mean fewer injuries from cat fights, and a reduced risk of your cat contracting FIV (immunodeficiency virus) or FeLV (Feline leukemia virus). Neutering can also curb your male cat's tendency to roam, reducing his risk of being injured by a vehicle.
Helps to reduce the incidence of spraying
Typically, unneutered male cats will spray urine inside the home more often than neutered males, and often try to get outside more. Having your male kitten neutered while he's young can help to prevent spraying and other territorial and mating behaviors from starting.
To learn more about getting your kitten or adult cat fixed, contact our Southeast Memphis vets today to book an appointment.
Looking for a vet in Southeast Memphis?
We're always accepting new patients, so contact our veterinary hospital today to book your pet's first appointment.
Related Articles View All
Signs, Causes & Treatments for Ear Mites in Cats
Ear mites cause uncomfortable irritation to a cat's ears and skin, but with diligent care, this parasite is fairly straight forward to treat. Here, we explain how to spot the signs of ear mites in cats and how ear mites can be treated.
How Long to Quarantine Dog with Ringworm
If your dog has patches of hair loss with a crusty coating, it could be ringworm. Today, our Memphis vets explain the signs of ringworm in dogs, how it is diagnosed, and how to prevent the spread of ringworm to other pets.
Why does my dog's breath stink so bad?
If you love your pup but find yourself repulsed by their breath, it's time to take action and get your relationship back on track! Our Memphis vets explain a few causes of bad breath in dogs and why it's important for your four-legged friend to see a vet for a diagnosis.
How Long Can You Leave A Dog Alone?
Most pet parents need to leave their dog alone while they head out to run errands, earn a living or spend time with friends. The question is, how long can you leave your dog alone safely? Our Memphis vets share some advice.
Your Puppy's First Visit to The Vet - What to Expect & What to Bring
You have an adorable new puppy and now it's time for your puppy's first visit to the vet. Our Memphis vets explain what you should expect during your puppy's first vet visit and what to bring along with you.