In a world where we all see stray cats wandering the streets, is there ever are a reason for not spaying or neutering your cat? The American Veterinary Medical Association has supported early spaying and neutering of cats since 1993. What is early? Eight to 16 weeks of age. 

While that does seem early, that is the age when most kittens are adopted from rescues and shelters and these organizations feel it is imperative to spay or neuter these kittens before they go off to their new homes. There is no guarantee that the kitten’s new family will follow through at a later date.

Reduces Shelter Overpopulation

According to the ASPCA, approximately 1.4 million cats and kittens are euthanized in shelters across the United States each year. In order to help bring that number down it is important to spay/neuter your cat.

Less Chance of Your Cat Getting Lost

If you do not neuter your cat and he gets out of your home there is a good chance he will go in search of a mate. That is not to say your neutered cat won’t wander off while hunting, but neutering will reduce the risk.

Cats who are not neutered tend to wander.

Better Health for Your Cat

You remove the chance of testicular diseases when you neuter your male cat.

Your spayed female cat will no longer run the risk of pyometra, which is an infection of the uterus. The chance that your female cat will get mammary tumors will be reduced.

According to research done at the University of Georgia, spayed and neutered pets live longer too.

Cleaner House

Male cats are inclined to spray inside the house due to hormones. Neutering your male cat should eliminate this urge. If your neutered male cat is still spraying it might be time for a trip to the vet.

Less Fighting

Neutered male cats are less likely to fight with other cats in the house. And, if you let your cat outside he will be less likely to fight with other neighborhood cats. Cats that get into fights are more likely to be exposed to diseases such as feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia (FeLV). This is because those diseases can be transmitted through bite wounds.

A peaceful cat household.

A Calmer Household

Spaying or neutering your cat removes the desire to breed and therefore they are not on the constant hunt for a mate.

No Unwanted Litters

There are millions of cats and kittens looking for homes each year, so finding good homes for an unwanted litter can be a daunting task. 

Spaying and neutering prevents unwanted litters.

While spaying and neutering will not solve all cat-related issues, it can certainly help with quite a few.

Are Your Cats Spayed and Neutered? Please Let Us know Your Thoughts in the Comments Below.