Getting your cat spayed or neutered, also commonly called "fixed" can come with a wide range of benefits. Here, our Torrance vets explain when you should get your kitten or adult cat fixed as well as the benefits of spaying or neutering your cat.
When should I spay or neuter my cat?
Kittens can be neutered or spayed as early as six to eight weeks old. However, standard spay and neuter procedures can also be performed when your kitten is between 5 and 6 months old. All of that being said, it's important to note that as long as your cat is healthy, these procedures can be performed at any time during their life.
Spaying vs Neutering
Neutering is the sterilization of male animals. This is generally done through the removal of their testes. Spaying is the sterilization of female. This is done through the removal of their reproductive organs.
Benefits of Spaying or Neutering Your Cat
Female cats that are spayed before their first heat are less likely to develop malignant mammary tumors later in life.
Spaying can also help to prevent your cat's chances of developing an infection in their uterus as well as of developing certain kinds of cancers in their reproductive organs.
Undesirable behaviors in female cats can be reduced with spaying, including; increased and overly intense affection, intense rubbing on objects, marking territory with urine, the desire to wander and heat-induced howling.
Neutering male cats also offers a number of benefits. It reduces unwanted behaviors such as cat aggression and roaming which can help to reduce your cat's risk of injury.
Your male cat's risk of developing testicular and prostate cancer are also reduced with neutering.
Cat overpopulation is a serious problem. Spaying and neutering helps to reduce the number of unwanted cats in your area.
More cats are born each year than there are homes available for them. Homeless cats frequently wind up on the streets, and can ultimately end up being euthanized in shelters.
By fixing your cat, you are helping to reduce the rates of cat homelessness and euthanization in your area.