Our topical Thursday comes early this week because it’s World Spay Day. Today, we’re asking a simple question: why should you spay or neuter your cat?
Pet Overpopulation
The most obvious reason is overpopulation. Pet overpopulation is a huge crisis, with estimates ranging up to 70 million stray cats in the US. There are more cats than there are homes, and millions lose their lives in shelters every year. Spaying and neutering can help!
Female cats can start reproducing as early as five months old, and will continue to have litter after litter. And of course, unneutered males are needed to impregnate intact females, so spay and neuter helps break the cycle. and keeps extra cats out of the overburdened system.
Health Benefits
In addition to preventing reproduction, spay and neuter helps ensure your cat’s future health.
Males
Neutered male cats can’t get testicular cancer, and they have an average longer lifespan than unneutered cats. Males are less likely to wander and be lost or be injured in fights. As a result, they are less likely to be infected by diseases like feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), which is transmitted by deep bite wounds.
Females
Spayed female cats can’t get uterine or ovarian cancer, and their risk of both cervical and mammary cancer are significantly reduced.
You Can Afford Spay/Neuter!
Some people don’t spay or neuter because they think it’s just not in the budget, but many communities have programs to help subsidize spay and neuter. For more information on subsidized spay and neuter in your part of the US:
- Search for reduced cost spay and neuter in your part of the US
- Contact nationwide network and referral service for affordable spay and neuter
- Find veterinarians participating in low-cost spay and neuter voucher program
Make a difference for your cat. Be sure to spay or neuter.
Photo credit: depositphotos/photo-deti
