Top Reasons to Spay or Neuter Your Cat

Cats make wonderful pets, offering warmth, affection, and endless entertainment. Spaying or neutering is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your furry friend. From animal population control to enhancing your cat’s health and well-being, there are many reasons why veterinarians and animal advocates recommend having pets spayed or neutered. 

When Should You Spay or Neuter Your Cat?

Kittens can be spayed or neutered from as young as eight weeks old. In general, veterinarians recommend scheduling the procedure before your cat is five months old. That helps avoid unwanted pregnancy and decreases the risk of health problems. It also curbs many undesirable behaviors before they even start. When it comes to adult cats, it is never too late. The best time to spay or neuter your feline friend is now!

What Are the Benefits of Spaying or Neutering Your Cat?

The following are some of the many benefits of spaying or neutering your cat: 

Population Control: According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, a staggering 7.6 companion animals end up in shelters nationwide every year. Of those, about 3.4 million are cats. Each year, about 2.7 million shelter animals are euthanized, 1.4 million of which are cats. Spaying or neutering helps control the pet overpopulation problem, reducing shelter overcrowding or stray cats left to fend for themselves. 

Health Benefits: Spaying and neutering provide numerous health benefits. Female cats spayed before the first heat cycle are at a lower risk of cancer of the ovaries, uterus, and mammary glands. Neutering male cats eliminates the chances of testicular cancer and reduces prostate disease. Spayed and neutered cats tend to live longer, healthier lives. 

Behavioral Benefits: Spaying or neutering can help improve your feline friend’s mood and behavior. Unaltered cats in heat can become loud and aggressive, yowling and howling in their attempts to attract mates. Male cats can also be loud and aggressive when searching for a female in heat. They are more likely to roam and get in conflict with other male cats, putting their safety at risk. Spayed and neutered cats are usually calmer and happier.  

Reduces Spraying: Unaltered cats are more likely to spray urine to mark their territory, producing a strong and unpleasant scent. That can be quite a frustration for pet owners. Spaying or neutering will change the odor and significantly reduce or eliminate your cat’s motivation for spraying. 

No Increased Weight: Despite what you may have heard, spaying or neutering do not make your cat overweight. Pet obesity usually results from lack of exercise and overfeeding, so as long as you keep your cat active and monitor food intake, they should maintain a healthy weight. 

Better for the Community: Spaying and neutering can benefit your community in many ways. It helps reduce the number of stray cats around, which can damage property, injure children, and harm local wildlife. It can also save taxpayer money, as millions of dollars are spent each year providing care for stray and unwanted animals. 

Cost-Effective: Preventing health issues and unwanted pregnancies by spaying or neutering your fur-ever can save you considerable expenses down the road. Your pet will be less destructive and less likely to get in fights with neighborhood strays, preventing injury and the need for costly treatments. 

Cat Spaying and Neutering in Newport Beach, CA

Our dedicated veterinarians and team at Newport Center Animal Hospital and Pet Suites are proponents of cat spaying and neutering as a humane way to curb pet overpopulation while promoting healthier, happier lives. You can always count on us for compassionate, gentle care. Contact our office at 949-644-5460 to schedule your appointment, or request one online today!