Neuter and Spay
It's the Humane Way
What is Spaying?
A spay (ovariohysterectomy) is the surgical removal of the uterus and
ovaries from the abdomen of an animal.
What is the purpose of spaying?
The spay is the only foolproof method of birth control for female cats,
and it is a permanent method.
Will spaying eliminate heat cycles?
Spayed animal no longer goes through heat cycles. Female cats normally
come into heat several times a year. Spaying ends several problems
associated with the heat cycle, including spraying urine and the necessity
of confining females to prevent the approaches of persistent males.
Spaying also prevents such irritations as a howling cat in heat.
Are there other good reasons for spaying?
The risk of mammary cancer is reduced if a cat is spayed before
its first heat. Also spayed pets cannot develop pyometra, a serious
uterine infection. Finally, difficult pregnancy and delivery in older
cats or ill cats is prevented.
Do cats gain weight after spaying?
Your cat will not gain weight, if you provide a balanced diet and
encourage regular exercise.
Should cats have at least one litter before being spayed?
No. Your cat does not need to have a litter of kittens to mature.
What is Neutering?
Neutering (castration) is the surgical removal of the testicles from the
scrotum of an animal.
What is the purpose of neutering?
Neutering is the primary method of sterilizing male cats.
What are other benefits of neutering?
Neutering an immature cat usually prevents development of mating behavior
and the obnoxious habit of spraying urine to mark territory around the
house and yard.
An unneutered cat cannot control its mating instincts. Given freedom to
wander, such an animal may become hurt or lost, and is almost certain to
be responsible for unwanted litters. Humane societies cannot place all
unwanted animals; millions must be put to sleep. Countless others are
abandoned.
See your veterinarian!
Discuss your questions about breeding and birth control with your veterinarian.
The answer is to SPAY or NEUTER your pet cat.
Reprinted in part from the Southern California Veterinary Medical Association.
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