When we have a cat in our family, we do our best to give them the care they need. Sometimes, the care is easy to identify, such as giving them the right food and a warm place to live. At other times, it requires more on our part but making the right decision can really make a difference in the health of the animal.
One choice that many cat owners consider is having the animal spayed or neutered. This process is basically removing the reproductive organs. Spaying is the process when it takes place with a female and it removes the fallopian tubes, uterus and ovaries. it stops the heat cycle from occurring in the female. Neutering is the process when it happens to a male. It results in the removal of both testicles. A neutered cat will not be able to reproduce. In addition, the process will likely stop the breeding instinct, but that is not always true.
It may also be possible to remove the ovaries only in a female cat or to give a male cat a vasectomy. Those processes are possible but they are not often performed.
Most people make the decision to spay or neuter because they feel it is the responsible thing to do. Animal shelters are filled to the brim with unwanted animals and many of those animals are the result of pregnancy from strays. Unfortunately, this results in the death of millions of kittens and even adult cats every year.
You might also like knowing that there are some benefits available for your cat when you have them fixed as well. Most cats will have fewer health problems and as a result, they will live a longer life. This would include fewer serious problems, such as cancer and less of a problem with UTIs. Male cats may have fewer problems with their prostate and, of course, testicular cancer is out of the question. In addition, male cats may be less aggressive after they are neutered.
Most cats will be fixed when they are at least 6 months old but this is a decision that each cat owner will have to make on their own. It is best if you speak to the vet about the process and what may be best for your cat.
There will be some recovery time associated with the process, and this is something you would certainly want to consider. The cat should be kept safe inside after the operation to help them heal. It may also be necessary for the cat to wear a Elizabethan collar (cone of shame) to keep away from the incision. Pain management is also going to be an issue that can generally be overcome with medication.
Fixing your cat may be one of the best things you can do for them. Talk to your vet about the specifics to help you make this vital decision.