"Neutering" a male or "spaying" a female cat involves the surgical removal of the animal’s sexual organs. There are many reasons one might elect to have this surgery performed on their pet. Whatever your motives though, it is best to be as informed about this routine 10 to 20 minute procedure as you possibly can.
Spaying and neutering have been used as behavioral modification tools, as the removal of the organs will calm excitable or aggressive animals. Although many veterinarians traditionally demand that a cat be at least 6 months of age prior to undergoing this surgery, early age neutering has become more popular as recent research has indicated that there is no risk of increased complications.
Spaying and neutering are, of course, common techniques used as a method of pet population control. With so many abandoned and otherwise feral cats in the world, it is no wonder that many owners choose neutering. The US Department of Agriculture estimates that up to 60% of un-neutered cats become feral in 3-5 years and this may account for the fact that their numbers in the US are upwards of 60 million.
Once you’ve had your precious kitty spayed or neutered, you can expect to see some changes both in appearance and in behavior. Cats who are neutered may exhibit weight gain, but this is not a necessity, as the tendency can be corrected through modification of diet. Your cat may seem more lethargic if neutered or spayed during maturity, and while this is natural during its recovery from surgery, your pet should quickly return to its normal self.
Neutering and spaying cats can be a great boon in the prevention of many health problems commonly associated with mature pets. By consulting your veterinarian concerning neutering, and what to expect, you can make the best decision to ensure that your sweet feline friend stays healthy, wholesome and happy.