Should I Neuter or Spay My Indoor Cat?
The Animal Hospital of Danville have some advice for whether you're unsure about neutering or spaying your indoor cat. Carry on reading and find out all the facts.
If you are an indoor-only cat owner and you only have one cat (or one gender of cat) in your home, you may be tempted to skip the neutering or spaying of your fur baby. If your cat(s) live only in the house, and there’s no danger of pregnancy inside your house, why should you do it?
Three Reasons To Spay/Neuter Your Indoor Cat
1. Life is Unpredictable
Just because you plan to keep your cats inside doesn’t mean THEY won’t get OTHER ideas at some point in their lifetime. Your cat may decide to dash outside one day when you least expect it. A friend or neighbor might leave the door open, not realizing you have an indoor-only baby poised for an adventure. An open window and a moment of boredom may lead your pet on an unexpected outdoor jaunt.
If that happens without your cat being “fixed” you could be facing roaming issues, which may include your baby not returning home at all. If they do come home, they may come home pregnant, or may come home only after impregnating another cat. Spay/Neuter your indoor cat just in case.
2. Do It For Their Health
Spaying and neutering will improve your cat’s health, reduce the risk of health problems, and should be done as early as possible. Spaying/Neutering early will:
- Decrease the risk of mammary carcinoma
- Prevent diseases of the uterus, ovaries and testes
Having the operation when young means:
- Shorter operation time (less time under anesthesia)
- Better intra-abdominal visualization for the surgeon
-
Faster recovery period for your pet
3. Do it For Your Sanity (and Their Longevity!)
Many cats are surrendered each year for behavioral issues. (Issues which may have been avoided with timely spaying/neutering practices.) Spaying and neutering early can prevent the following behaviors:
- Excessive vocalization
- Urine marking
- Roaming
- Unwanted pregnancies
Read the article from Animal Hospital of Danville here