| Why do cats meow? How can I toilet train my kitten? Is it cruel to dress my feline friend in clothes? All questions that might sound a little daft but your vet will have heard hundreds of times before – and should be happy to offer honest, straightforward advice on. Another query they're likely to have fielded over and over again relates to neutering and its benefits.
This is a topic that all cat owners have to navigate at some point, especially when their feline companion comes into season. Ultimately, you've got to decide what's more cruel – bringing large, unmanageable litters of kittens into the world, or denying your pet the right to become a parent. In many cases, the former is the decision many people come to – and neutering is actually much less cruel than it initially may sound.
As you may expect, the operation is different depending on the gender of your cat, although the end result is the same – it leaves your cat unable to produce offspring. Here's what to expect from neutering – and why it's often a very smart move.
Neutering male cats
This involves removing the testicles, which, as with any animal, will also affect testosterone production. This means that the cat will be less likely to roam and get run over by a car and will also be less inclined to fight. The reduction in contact with other felines could also have an effect on the risk of being infected with certain illnesses, such as feline leukaemia virus. With less of an inclination to reproduce, cats will also be less likely to carry out spraying, the marking of their territory with urine.
Neutering female cats
Also known as spaying, neutering females involves the removal of the womb and ovaries, meaning they cannot fall pregnant. Contrary to popular myth, it is not beneficial for females to have a litter of kittens before being spayed. As with male neutering, there are numerous knock-on benefits of spaying, including the reduced risk of infection. Cats will also be much less likely to call and wail during their sexual cycle.
Post-operation
Generally speak, cats recover pretty quickly from neutering operations but it's always best to follow your vet's advice on how to care for your cat following the procedure. From information about vaccinations to kitten care, your local vet should always be your first port of call for queries about pet welfare and health. |
