Ask the Vet | 7 Reasons to Spay and Neuter Cats

Deciding whether to spay and neuter your cat should be simple. Cats should be spayed or neutered for a number of reasons.
Male cats are neutered, so the testicles are removed. Female cats are spayed; the ovariohysterectomy procedure consists of the removal of the uterus and the ovaries. The procedure is a simple, risk-free surgery. Take a look at the following reasons to spay or neuter cats and see the benefits of neutering.

1. Prevent Pregnancies
Female cats that haven’t been spayed can get pregnant when they are in heat. Getting 3 to 6 kittens per year can significantly increase the cat population and many of these kittens end up in shelters or on the streets in Macau.
Male cats may also be neutered, so that they won’t be able to fertilize female cats.

2. Prevent Pregnancy Complications
Pregnant cats may always suffer from pregnancy complications, some of which may be fatal. Spaying your cat means no more pregnancies and no pregnancy complications.

3. Stop Spraying
Neutered cats typically stop spraying. Cats, especially males, spray to mark their territory and to send signals during the mating season.
If you are tired of cleaning after your cat that sprays every corner of your home, just neuter your pet. Over 90% of neutered cats stop spraying within the first 6 months after the procedure.
However, if your cat sprays due to stress or a urinary tract infection, neutering won’t help eliminating the spraying behavior.

4. No More Heat Cycles
A spayed female cat will not have estrus cycles. This means no more excessive meowing and mood swings related to the mating season. You’ll have a friendly, calm and affectionate cat with stable behavior.

5. No More Cat Fights
Male cats that are not neutered tend to get in a lot of cat fights for territorial reasons and during the mating period.
By neutering your cat, you will reduce his risk of getting injuries and infections, including feline AIDS.

6. Reduced Health Risks
Spayed female cats are less exposed to ovarian cysts and tumors, uterine infections and mammary cancer.
Neutered males will be less prone to testicular cancer or prostate issues.

7. Calmer Behavior
Neutered cats will display calmer, more affectionate behavior. The nature of neutered cats is less whimsical; cats don’t have to think about mating and can be exemplary pets.
A neutered cat is less active and will spend more time indoors.
The best time for neutering or spaying your cat is before the cat become sexually mature. For females the best time for spaying is before the first heat cycle (when she is 6 to 9 months old). However, the procedure may be done at any point in the cat’s life; the procedure shouldn’t be much more complicated at an older age. We also spay cats with laparoscopic equipment.
Because neutered cats are less active, they tend to become overweight. To prevent obesity, watch your cat’s diet and make sure he gets half of the food you used to feed him before neutering, or change to a diet thats specific for neutered cats and dogs.
Any   questions   regarding   the   health   of    your pets, e-mail us at [email protected] . by Dr Ruan Du Toit Bester

Hope this helps
Till next week
Dr Ruan

Ask the Vet: Royal Veterinary Centre
Tel: +853 28501099, +853 28523678
Emergency: +853 62662268
Email: [email protected]