Photo by Cong H on Pexels

Should You Spay Your Cat? The Pro's and Con's

Chances are, the idea of having any kind of surgery performed on your furry feline makes you wince. But, on the other hand, the idea of your cat popping out up to three litters a year probably makes your wallet wince as well.

Even if your cat is solely an indoor critter, you’re gonna want to get them fixed, since doing so will not only save your bank account but also potentially save their life. Dramatic, but we’ll explain why further on.

Suffice to say, spaying your cat has quite a number of benefits, regardless of whether they’re a boy or a girl. Female cats will see a significantly lower risk of dying of breast tumors, whereas cats of both genders will be less likely to roam around outside, potentially exposing them to deadly diseases like FIV or rabies.

What Does Spaying a Cat Mean?

Spaying or neutering a cat is the act of surgically sterilizing them by way of removing parts of their reproductive organs. For female cats, this is the removal of their uterus and ovaries, while male cats will be castrated instead.

Though the ethics of it is occasionally debated among animal welfare groups, the science shows that spaying your pet can greatly extend their lifespan and reduce the risk of them contracting potentially life-threatening diseases from other animals.

On top of that, spaying or neutering can greatly reduce the chance of potentially unwanted behaviors in your pet, such as spraying to mark territory or calling for a mate at odd hours of the night.

When is it Best to Neuter a Cat?

Apart from rather niche situations, household cats should be spayed around five to eight months of age - though it is entirely fine to spay a cat at any age.

The reason why most studies support the idea that cats should be spayed within a year of age is quite simple; they are more likely to become pregnant as time passes, and it can become more likely that they will develop the disadvantages or behavioral habits of being un-spayed.

      Can You Neuter an Elderly Cat?

      Yes! There really isn’t an age limit to getting your cat fixed, and the sole difference between spaying a young cat and an old one is simply the amount of caution that will need to be exercised.
      While it is pretty obvious that older cats are somewhat more fragile than their younger counterparts, a good veterinarian will understand the risks and take every possible step to ensure a favorable outcome, be it through extensive blood work testing or other means

      What are the Benefits of Spaying Your Cat?

      So - you’ve heard endless monologues about how spaying your cat is a good thing, but how is it good for your cat, or you, for the matter?

      Read on to find out how spaying your feline buddy can benefit the both of you.

      • They’ll be Quieter

      Ever heard a cat in heat?

      If you haven’t, the best way to describe it is - well, like a cat in heat. And the worst part is, because cats are awake at all hours of the night, this awful screeching is likely to wake you from your sleep when your little buddy is in heat.

      Luckily, if spayed, without the surge of hormones coursing through your cat, it’s pretty unlikely that they’ll ever be making a racket like this ever again.

      • A Longer, Safer Life

      Sure, spaying your kitty can reduce the odds of them developing breast or testicular tumors, but did you know that they also put themselves at risk when they sneak out for a little love?

      When your cat comes into contact with strays - or even animals of other species - they may contract all sorts of diseases, be it the incurable and highly dangerous FIV or dermatological conditions like mites and scabies.

      Fortunately, without the drive to roam around looking for a mate, it is far less likely that this may occur, as they will be more inclined to spend a day napping at home instead.

      • A Cleaner House!

      Though this is more geared towards male cats, it’s definitely a plus worth keeping in mind!

      Felines of both male and female sexes are prone to marking their territory in several ways, one of the most offensive (to us, at least!) is the act of spraying, where your cat will urinate over a wide area to mark their territory. Sometimes, the territory happens to be a person, even.

      When a cat gets fixed, this tendency becomes far more unlikely - especially if they have the operation early in their life, as less aggressive hormones equals less territorial behavior.

      • Cuddlier, Sweeter and Overall a Better Pet

      Lets face it, communicating with your pets is a little tougher than with our own kind. We can’t just give them a stern reprimand and explain why suddenly biting our ankles isn’t conducive to a healthy home environment!

      Behaviors like spraying and fighting other cats is just the start, and you’d be surprised how many bad behaviors are actually related to the hormones of your cat. Fortunately, if you get your whiskered friend fixed, they should behave far better - reducing the risk of aggressive behavior, especially towards other animals you may have in the house.

      Even better, if the cat is spayed before they ever develop unpleasant habits, it’s pretty likely that developing them could be avoided altogether.

      Photo by Cong H on Pexels

      What are the Disadvantages of Spaying a Cat?

      You see all the articles touting the benefits of spaying online - but what about the disadvantages? What kind of problems are likely to be encountered after getting your cat fixed?

      Luckily, like most things, the following disadvantages can be easily negated by researching how to care for a postoperative kitty, and taking the time out of your day to ensure that any risks are avoided.

      • It Could be Traumatic

      Surgery for humans can be confusing and scary, what more a cat that has no idea what's going on?

      Odds are, your feline friend just got back from the vet, and they’re acting skittish and withdrawn. Don’t worry - this is entirely normal, and so long as you provide them a safe and comfortable place to rest, it’s unlikely that they’ll develop any anxious or neurotic behavior from the experience.

      In the meantime, give your cat extra patience and attention, and make sure that you are following the advice of your veterinarian regarding how to care for their surgery wound as it heals.

      • Recovery Takes Careful Work

      Caring for a freshly-fixed feline can be plenty of work. Not only do you have to ensure that they are taking their prescribed medication (if any), but you’ll also have to make certain that they aren’t licking the wound or attempting to re-open it in any way.

      Even then, the cat will have to be confined from other animals, as even rough play with a sibling can easily lead to the surgical wound tearing.

      All this on top of the usual responsibilities of being a pet owner could be a handful, but remember that it is only temporary, and that it’s for your cat’s own good.

      • They Might Gain Weight - But Not for the Reason You Think

      A pervasive myth surrounding spaying a cat involves them gaining weight, either as a result of the changing hormones or because of trauma-induced poor eating habits.

      In truth, there is little evidence behind either claim. Instead, any sudden weight gain seen in a cat after being spayed has to do with their reduced activity level - likely because they no longer have a territory or mating drive, meaning that they are also less inclined to get their steps in, so to speak.

      To combat this, providing your kitty with ample exercise and play time should help them keep the pounds off, and reinforce your bond as an added bonus.

      Is it Bad to Not Spay Your Cat?

      No - it is truly up to you to decide whether you want your cat to be spayed or not.

      Weigh the advantages of fixing your pet against the disadvantages, such as spraying, or the potential cost of them having a litter in your home. If you think you can handle it (and you don’t like the idea of spaying your cat), then there’s no law that says you have to.

      But What About the Moral or Ethical Side of Spaying?

      Apart from the guilt of seeing your cat with a surgical wound, having them spayed is arguably the morally better choice.
      A single cat is capable of producing up to a whopping nine kittens per litter. With up to two litters per year, this can equate to eight-teen young cats showing up at your house - per year.

      Unless you’re running a pet shelter, it is pretty unlikely that your household is equipped to handle such a volume of cats. This can lead to cat abandonment or needless euthanasia, hence the rampant pet homelessness that is present throughout the world.
      Above all else - if you’re deciding on whether or not to have your cat fixed, do it to prevent unneeded suffering.

      Will Spaying My Cat Hurt Them?

      In all honesty, it is possible that your cat will experience pain and discomfort after the operation. This is entirely normal, and an unfortunate reality of all types of surgery.

      Many veterinarians will prescribe painkillers alongside antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medications so as to reduce uncomfortable symptoms.

      Apart from giving your cat their medications on time, the best thing you can do is ensure that they feel safe and comfortable as they go through the process of recovering.

      So - Should You Spay Your Cat?

      Spaying a pet is entirely an individual decision, but if you tally up the advantages to doing so, it’s pretty safe to say that getting your cat fixed is the better choice. - FINISH

      Commissioned Blog Article Written by Jamal Hamama

      I am a freelance writer based in the Philippines, with a passion for living outside of the box and the written word.