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Benefits of Neutering a Cat

Josie F. Turner
By Josie F. Turner, Journalist specialized in Animal Welfare. Updated: August 29, 2017
Benefits of Neutering a Cat
Cats

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Have you ever wondered why cats adopted from kennels or animal shelters are always neutered? The answer is simple: Neutering or spaying a cat can prevent many infectious diseases, eases the animal's behavior while elongating their life expectancy and prevents colonies of feral cats in the streets.

Moreover, we must take into account the sad and almost unbelievable amount of cats that are abandoned every day all over the world. This is why spreading right information about the benefits of neutering a cat is so important; stay here at AnimalWised to learn more about this subject.

What happens if I don't neuter my cat?

There are many people who believe that sterilizing animals is a cruel practice and choose to focus on simply taking good care of them at home to improve their quality of life. However, do they have the right information? Here are all the counter-arguments for not neutering or spaying your cat:

  • Female cats suffer when they are in heat. Have you ever heard the moans and screams of a cat while she's in heat, especially at night? This is bothersome for you if you're trying to sleep, but it's especially painful for her. Your cat will feel the need to find a mate and will desperately look for an escape from home to find a male.
  • Male cats suffer during female cats' heat periods. Tomcats can hear the screeching of a cat in heat from a very long distance, since they have very good hearing. Facing such a situation, they're likely to try and escape to come to the female cat's call. Moreover, tomcats will urinate or defecate all over the house to mark their territory.
  • Unwanted pregnancy. Some people like to keep lots of cats, but the fact is that when you have a pregnant cat you might have to start worrying about how to feed 8 kittens.
  • Pregnancy-derived problems. A cat's pregnancy can have many consequences, including the death of the mother and the abandonment of the kittens, especially if there are complications or you can't afford to face all the possible situations.
  • Behavior problems. Your cat's reproductive instinct will manifest repeatedly throughout their lives. This will bring physical discomfort and stress to your pet, and they may develop behavior problems. Being grumpy is one thing, but being aggressive is very different.
  • Losing the cat. As we said before, a cat in heat can't fight their instincts. Your cat may succeed in their escape, and they can get lost.
Benefits of Neutering a Cat - What happens if I don't neuter my cat?

What happens if I neuter my cat?

If the counter-arguments do not seem enough to neuter your cat, do pay attention of all the benefits. You might change your mind:

  • Boosts your pet's life expectancy. Neutering or spaying a cat means an overall better quality of life. This has as a consequence a longer life expectancy.
  • The probability of breast cancer is reduced by a 95%. As long as the cat is spayed before her first heat. Otherwise, the reduction is of an 85% - still a very good number.
  • The risk of uterine infection is reduced. All female cats are at a 40% risk - this drops to 0 for spayed cats.
  • The procedure lasts just around 45 minutes.
  • There are many charities and institutions that offer economic help - and even free neutering procedures - if your budget is the problem.
  • Since your cat won't be in heat any more, you'll both be able to rest at ease.
  • Your male cat will stop marking your house with urine or feces.
  • Improves stability and reduces aggressive behaviors.
Benefits of Neutering a Cat - What happens if I neuter my cat?

On AnimalWised find out when you should neuter a cat. If you have any questions or doubts, don't hesitate to leave a comment.

This article is purely informative. AnimalWised does not have the authority to prescribe any veterinary treatment or create a diagnosis. We invite you to take your pet to the veterinarian if they are suffering from any condition or pain.

If you want to read similar articles to Benefits of Neutering a Cat, we recommend you visit our Prevention category.

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3 comments
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Zachary Tomlinson
Thanks for helping me understand the benefits of getting a cat neutered. My sister owns a Persian cat and she's wondering if she should neuter her cat since the cat gets rowdy at times. What you said about how it gives a cat a better quality of life and how it'll stop the cat from marking the house with urine or feces, which is something my sister finds annoying. I'll share this with her so that she'll be aware.
Ian
In spaying a female cat, would it be advantageous to keep the ovaries?
In human hysterectomy it is often favoured to keep the ovaries because
of the benefits of thus preserved hormones.
Administrador AnimalWised
Hi Ian,

This is true that in human hysterectomies the ovaries are usually kept for positive hormones. This is not the case with cats and keeping the ovaries will mean they still go into heat. A large reason for spaying is to avoid the negative consequences of a cat going into heat, especially without access to males. While there are some issues related to hormone production when removing the ovaries, it is generally agreed in veterinary science that the benefits of an ovariohysterectomy outweigh the disadvantages.
Rating:
Cat lover
I love cats, but outside of spaying female cats I can't find any rational arguments here or anywhere regarding neutering male cats. Neutered cats get fat and lazy which is not healthy.
Administrador AnimalWised
There are many benefits to neutering a male cat, many of which are in the article, but here's a recap if you need it:

- reduces unwanted pregnancies and therefore the massive strain on shelters, reducing the rate of euthanizing existing cats.
- reduces behavioral problems and aggression.
- reduces the risk of certain diseases caused by hormonal imbalance as well as prostate diseases.
- does not lead to sexual frustration.
- reduces marking with urine and/or feces.
- prevents social conflicts with other dogs, animals and people.
- easier socialization in general.

The process of neutering a cat is quick and not as disruptive as many make out. It is better for the overall cat population as well as the individual cat. It is true that neutering can affect their metabolism, but if an owner gives them the appropriate diet they require, there is not reason they should become obese.
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