Spaying And Neutering Your Cat

Lack of information or misinformation about neutering and spaying result in millions of kitten and cats being euthanized or abandoned each year. There is much debate about this problem in the cat community.

Some cat owners are fearful that the procedure might be painful or cruel or that it will result in a personality change. Separating myth from reality should reassure cat owners that neutering and spaying not only help solve the problem of unwanted cats but also contribute to their health, longevity and overall well-being. Tho following neutering & spaying myths and facts will clear up a lot of the mystery surrounding neutering & spaying.

Spaying And Neutering Myth: Neutering/spaying changes a cats personality.
Reality: The cats genetic makeup and the attention and training it receives are the factors that shape its personality. Neutering is usually performed just as a cat is approaching puberty. The changes in a cats playfulness and sleeping habits that normally develop at puberty are sometimes attributed to this procedure. This means your cat won't switch from happy to sad or vice versa because of the operation.

Spaying And Neutering Myth: Females have a sweeter, gentler personality if allowed to have one litter before being spayed.
Reality: No evidence from behavioral research or from clinical observations supports this belief. Some animals behaviorists suggest that this is the placebo effect. The owner expects that breeding will bring about a behavior change and this leads to the assumption that behavior has improved. This means you don't have to wait longer to spay female cats, as waiting to long might have its own consquences.

Spaying And Neutering Myth: Neutered/spayed pets become obese.
Reality: Neutering/spaying are often associated with obesity because reduced activity and metabolic changes may result. This problem can generally be avoided by close monitoring of the cats diet (eliminating table scraps and, if necessary, reducing the amount of cat food offered). In addition to diet management, providing favorite toys and encouraging exercise through play periods should also help prevent obesity. This means you should be watching your cat's diet anyway, and this is just another reason for it.

As in any surgery, neutering or spaying may have possible complications which you can discuss with your veterinarian. However, the benefits of neutering and spaying outweigh most complications. Most veterinarians agree that neutering or spaying is a safe and modern way to protect your cats and overpopulation - and from being put-to-sleep because no one can care for them.