Why it’s important to neuter your cat

One of the most crucial aspects of responsible cat ownership is neutering or spaying your pet. Neutering refers to the surgical removal of the reproductive organs in male cats, while spaying refers to the same procedure for females. These procedures are straightforward, safe, and provide significant benefits for the health of your cat and the wider community. 

 

This blog will explore why neutering cats (male and female) is so important, outlining the health, behavioural, and societal advantages of this essential practice. 

 

 

A primary reason for neutering cats is to prevent the birth of unwanted kittens. Cats are prolific breeders. A female cat can become pregnant as early as four months old and may have several litters a year, with each litter typically consisting of four to six kittens. This rapid reproduction contributes to the overwhelming number of stray cats and overcrowded animal shelters. 

 

Here at the Ashford District Garden Cattery, we often see situations get out of hand due to lack of neutering. Branch Manager, Lisa Dennis, says: “Recently our Cattery Rehoming Centre took in 18 unneutered cats and 12 kittens from one house, resulting from one un-spayed female. Multi-cat households can be very stressful for unneutered cats. Male cats will fight over the female cats when they are in season. Female cats can become pregnant as young as four months. Inbreeding can cause health issues due to their genetic similarities and also behavioural issues. This is why neutering your cat is so important.” 

 

 

Neutering is also crucial for your cat’s long-term health. Spaying female cats significantly reduces the risk of serious conditions such as uterine infections and mammary tumours. Around 90% of mammary tumours in cats are malignant (cancerous), and spaying your female cat before her first heat can greatly reduce the chances of her developing these diseases. 

 

For male cats, neutering eliminates the risk of testicular cancer and lowers the likelihood of prostate problems. Additionally, neutered male cats are less likely to contract infections or suffer injuries caused by fights with other males over territory or females in heat. 

 

Moreover, neutering reduces the stress associated with the reproductive cycle. Cats that are not neutered often become anxious, restless, and may stop eating while searching for a mate, which can have a negative impact on their overall health. 

 

3. Reducing Unwanted Behaviours 

 

Neutering can help manage or eliminate many undesirable behaviours in both male and female cats. A lot of the behavioural issues seen in unneutered cats stem from the urge to 

 

mate. Male cats, in particular, can become more aggressive, territorial, and may spray strong-smelling urine around the home to mark their territory – a common complaint among owners of unneutered males. 

 

Female cats that are not spayed can go into heat multiple times a year, which can be distressing for both the cat and the owner. Cats in heat often become overly vocal, restless, and may attempt to escape the home in search of a mate, putting themselves in harm’s way outdoors. 

 

Neutering tends to reduce these behaviours, resulting in a more content, calm, and home-friendly pet. Neutered cats are also less likely to roam, fight, or spray, making them less vulnerable to accidents and injuries caused by territorial disputes or mating. 

 

 

Beyond the individual benefits for your cat, neutering has a significant positive impact on the wider community. Stray and feral cats often live in poor conditions, facing dangers such as disease, traffic, and starvation. Neutering plays a critical role in managing and reducing the number of stray cats, easing the pressure on local shelters, rescue organisations, and public health systems. 

 

In areas with high populations of unneutered cats, there is an increased risk of diseases such as toxoplasmosis and cat scratch fever being transmitted to humans. By reducing the number of stray cats, neutering helps protect public health. 

 

Additionally, neutered cats are less likely to roam and interact with wildlife, reducing the impact of predation on local ecosystems. Cats are natural hunters, and their presence can seriously affect bird populations and other small wildlife. Neutering helps mitigate this ecological impact. 

 

 

At its heart, neutering is a compassionate and humane choice. By taking this step, cat owners ensure they are not contributing to the problem of pet overpopulation. Cats are unable to regulate their own reproduction, so they rely on us to make responsible decisions on their behalf. 

 

Neutering also promotes a higher quality of life for the animal. Neutered cats are more likely to live longer, healthier lives, free from the stress and dangers associated with mating. Furthermore, since they are less likely to wander far from home, the risk of them becoming lost or injured in traffic is reduced. 

 

 

Many people hesitate to neuter their cats due to concerns about cost. However, most veterinary practices offer affordable options, and there are many animal welfare 

 

organisations in the UK that provide low-cost or even free neutering services, particularly for stray or feral cats. The cost of neutering is a small price to pay for the long-term health and happiness of your pet and the benefits it brings to the community. 

 

Now that we’ve explored the benefits of having your cat neutered, let’s explain what’s involved in the procedure and when you should plan for it. Getting your female cat spayed 

 

To stop your female cat from having kittens, she'll need to be spayed before she turns four months old. At this age, even though she’s still a kitten herself, she'll start to attract the attention of tomcats, who'll want to mate with her. 

 

Some say that it's good for female cats to have a litter of kittens before they are spayed, but this isn't true. Once she's been spayed, your kitten will be able to do all the things cats enjoy doing, like going outdoors, climbing trees and playing. 

 

Getting your male cat neutered 

 

If you have a male cat, neutering is a simple operation that should happen when he is around four months old. Aside from the other benefits explained in this blog, the procedure will also protect him from a nasty disease called FIV, which is the cat version of HIV. It's spread through cat bites, often between males fighting over a female. It can't be caught by people. 

 

What's involved in the neutering operation? 

 

Your cat will need to be dropped off at the vet and picked up again later that same day. 

 

The operation is very simple and your cat will be given an anaesthetic. Once they're back home, they'll need to stay in for a short time (your vet will tell you how long), but they'll soon be fit and well again. 

 

 

In conclusion, neutering cats is a simple yet essential step that all cat owners should take to ensure their pet’s health, manage their behaviour, and contribute to controlling the population of unwanted cats. Whether your cat is a kitten or an adult, neutering should be a top priority in their care. Contact your vet for more information.