Cat
Should I Get My Cat Neutered?
The warm weather and the summer are now in full swing. Although to many cat owners, this means a litter of possibly unwanted kittens is on their way. Caused by the breeding of unneutered cats. Over half of cat litters are unplanned. Often leading the kittens to be sent to adoption shelters, or simply being abandoned. This may lead you to think ‘should I get my cat neutered?’
Don’t add to the strain on the rescues
This causes strain on shelters and charities, as well as unnecessary stress on abandoned kittens. It can also lead to kittens being born outside. Meaning they will be exposed to all sorts of dangers such as the weather, disease, and predators.
One simple solution to this is to consider getting your cat neutered. A simple procedure involves removing the cat’s reproductive organs. It seems it is something most people just don’t think about or are simply unaware of it and what the benefits are.
Now, I’m not saying that you should or shouldn’t definitely do this, it’s entirely up to you, but it is worth highlighting those benefits, and busting a few myths.
Should I get my cat neutered?
Firstly, a few benefits worth noting:
- Reduces the likelihood of developing any diseases or conditions related to the reproductive organs, such as tumours, womb infections, and cancers.
- Male cats will lose their instinctive urge to roam in search of a mate. The good thing about this is they are less likely to roam into traffic, and risk being hit.
- Less likely get into fights with other cats or be harmed by other wildlife, as well as harming local wildlife.
- Being overall less aggressive.
- Female cats will less likely be calling out loudly at night (which is great if you want a good night’s sleep!).
When should I get my cat neutered?
It’s often stated that it is best to wait until they are a year old before neutering the cat. However, this is more than enough time for the cat to find a mate and breed, as they can reach maturity at around 5-8 months. Sometimes earlier!
It is at about 4-5 months you should start to consider the procedure. Another common opinion is that cats need to first have a litter of kittens before being neutered. However, this is not necessarily true. It can be quite beneficial to the cat to be neutered without having ever had a litter. As mentioned, it can help reduce the risk of disease and problems with the reproductive system.
Another worry for cat owners is the pain it could cause their feline friend. These procedures are carried out under a general anesthetic, so they won’t feel a thing! They are also given pain relief after the procedure to help with recovery – which will only be a couple of days and your cat will be back on its feet!
If this piece has got you thinking about neutering your cat, then my advice is to go to your vet first and foremost. Ask their advice on the procedure and whether it is right for your cat. If you’ve had your cat neutered, and would like to share some advice to those undecided, then we’d love to hear from you in the comments below!
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