Why should I get my cat spayed or neutered?

There are many common misconceptions concerning spaying and neutering. We will explain the facts of this health procedure and help you make this important decision.

Males: (Castration)

• Unneutered males are very territorial! Thy mark their boundaries by spraying urine, which is their way of posting “No Trespassing” signs.
• If an intact male is not permitted outdoors, he will proceed to mark off his territory in the house, a most unpleasant experience for any cat owner. Allowing the cat outside may prevent this (but not always).
• Also, while outdoors he may be forced into fights with other male cats. These fights often end in scratches or bites that heal slowly or become infected or abscessed and can also transmit Feline AIDS or Leukemia.

Females: (Spay)

• The same medical problems exist for cats previously mentioned for dogs (Pyometritis, Cystic Ovaries, Mammary Tumors).
• Female cats will have heat seasons twice a year (Spring and Fall) but each season can be rather long. Unlike the dog, without conception taking place, the heat period is repeated 2-3 times in any given season.
• During these times, she will place her body in all kinds of weird contortions and fill the house with howling sounds, especially in the nighttime hours. This behavior seems un-ending, and much to your dismay, will repeat in about 2 weeks. The alternatives at this point are letting your cat outside (where breeding will likely take place), or spaying her.