8 Reasons To Spay Or Neuter Your Cat

The United States has an unbelievable problem with pet overpopulation. Strays have litters. Pets have litters. Some of these animals get adopted, some end up on the streets, and some end up in shelters.

Photo courtesy Walmink.

Unfortunately, there isn’t enough room for all of those animals to end up in shelters or homes. Each year, nearly four million cats and dogs are euthanized simply because there are too many of them. Tragically, a majority of those animals are healthy, friendly, and could be adopted – if only there were enough homes to take them in.

That’s why it’s so important to spay or neuter your cat. Spaying or neutering your cat means that you’re doing your part in not adding to our nation’s pet overpopulation problem.

While many people come up with endless reasons why they’d like their cat to procreate, it’s important to look at the bigger picture. Here are eight reasons why you should strongly consider it: 

1. Even if your cat has a litter of three and you find all of the kittens homes, it means that there are three fewer homes that could have adopted animals that face euthanization. Spaying or neutering your cat means you’re giving other cats (who really need it) a chance at finding a home.

2. Spaying and neutering our cats can mean fewer neighborhood strays. The problem can start several ways: From intact cats having litters to neighbors releasing unwanted cats or kittens into our communities. Stray can be a serious nuisance: They can cause car accidents, damage plants and property, cause fights among one another, and more.

3. Neutering a male cat can protect him from injury and disease. Intact males who are allowed outside are likely to get into fights with other cats, who may have diseases. Your cat may then get that disease. They’ll also be less likely to try to get out of your home to find a mate.

Photo courtesy Chriss Pagani.

4. Sterilized cats are less likely to develop certain types of cancers, which means they are likely to live  longer, healthier lives. Females will be less likely to develop breast cancer, and they won’t be at risk for ovarian or uterine cancer. Males will not get testicular cancer.

5. Spayed and neutered cats are often better behaved, calmer, and more affectionate than those who are intact. They are often less aggressive toward cats of the same gender.

6. Males are less likely to mark their territory by spraying. Now, some cats may still spray, but neutering your male will definitely help cut back on this.

7. Spaying a female eliminates her heat cycle, which means you’ll no longer have to worry about the crying and undesired behaviors. Spaying her before her first heat also greatly reduces her chances of getting certain kinds of cancers.

8. Sterilizing your cats can be cost-effective. It’s a great deal cheaper than having and caring for a litter of kittens. Plus, it can save you a great deal in vet costs since your cat won’t be getting into fights, catching diseases, developing cancers, and more.

And these reasons are just the beginning. I’m sure we can all come up with our own reasons from our own experiences that spell out why this is a necessary procedure.

While I hope this post and the one on spay and neuter basics have been helpful, I realize some of you may still have questions or issues you need addressed. Don’t worry – in a few days I’ll publish a post on the facts and myths of spaying or neutering your pet; hopefully that will clear up any last issues!

What reasons can you come up with for why someone should spay or neuter their cat? Please share in the comments!