Why You Should Spay or Neuter Before Kitten Season
Debating whether or not to spay or neuter your new cat? Here at Dr. Elsey’s, we think spaying or neutering your pet is one of the best decisions you can make for their health. While getting the procedure can prevent the overpopulation of pets in shelters, it can also provide health and behavioral benefits for your new pet.
With kitten season starting in April, it’s the perfect time to schedule your pet to get spayed or neutered. The cat overpopulation crisis is real. Many shelters are overwhelmed and can’t accommodate the mass influx of animals being born during the early spring and summer months. Getting your pet spayed or neutered can reduce the already large number of stray cats or those in overpopulated shelters that must be euthanized every year.
Not only is it a good decision for the general population of felines, but getting your pet spayed or neutered also has additional health benefits. The procedure can decrease the risk of uterine infections or uterine cancers for female cats, and eliminates the risk of testicular cancer and leads to less prostate issues for male cats.
Surprisingly, the procedure can also have added behavioral benefits for your furry friend. Spayed or neutered pets are less aggressive, and are less likely to roam from their homes. Cats tend to roam or wander off to look for a “mate,” and if they don’t have the ability to do so, they can become poorly behaved or less content and relaxed than normal. During this season, cats will also tend to spray or mark their territory, which could lead to damaging your belongings or developing more aggressive behavior between your cat and other pets.
Don’t forget to reach out to your veterinarian for advice on spaying or neutering based on your pet’s specific needs, or if you’re a first-time pet owner with more questions. Learn more about your cat’s health and wellness by visiting our Instagram page!
