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Feline
 CAT SPAYINGCats have been close companions of humans for some 5,000 years. Over that period they have become perfectly adapted to domestic life, totally unsuited for the wild. As man was the one to domesticate these animals, so is he responsible for their health and well-being. It follows that we must take serious measures to curb the current cat overpopulation problem (hundreds of unwanted cats die on the streets from disease and starvation, while many others must be euthanized by humane societies). Preventing unwanted litters that will have to be destroyed is just one important reason to spay your female cat. There are other reasons more beneficial to you and your cat.When spayed before six months of age, a female cat never goes into heat. She is less likely to roam, and male cats will not wage war over her on your front porch. Furthermore, the altered cat leads a longer and healthier life than her unsterilized counterpart. Once spayed, a cat will not be subject to many health problems such as ovarian cysts, uterine infections, tumors of the womb and ovaries, abortion, queening difficulties, caesarean section, ruptured uterus, pyometra or false pregnancy. Nor is she likely to develop mammary cancer. In addition, you won't have the problem of providing the extra care a pregnant or nursing queen needs. Properly looking after litters of kittens is also time-consuming and costly. Spay surgery (ovariohysterectomy) is a safe and simple operation. Your cat should be spayed at five to six months of age, although this is not the only time, just the earliest and most beneficial for your cat and for you. CAT NEUTERINGStrangely, people are much more reluctant to neuter their male cats than to spay their females; however, a neutered cat is more manageable and usually a happier pet.Unlike female cats, the males of the species are always ready to mate. They need only detect the scent of a female in heat to go out in search of her, exposing themselves to many dangers. The mature, unaltered tom cat has an uncontrollable desire to roam and fight, and his litter box will always have a strong odor. If you keep him inside, he may begin spraying urine to mark his territory. This spray has a highly offensive odor that is almost impossible to wash away. Neutering substantially reduces the animal's desire to roam and usually eliminates spraying. If a male cat is neutered at a young age, he will probably never spray. If the cat has an established habit of spraying, he may (in isolated cases) continue after neutering, but the strong odor will not be present. Neutered cats are much less likely to go looking for fights. Neutering (castration) is the surgical removal of the testes, a safe and simple operation. Your cat can be neutered at virtually any age, but it is preferable to have it done before puberty, at eight or none months of age. After surgery, your cat will have a more even disposition and will no longer experience stress related to his thwarted desire to breed and fight with rivals. |
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