Most veterinarians, animal-welfare organizations and even animal-rights advocates strongly recommend sterilizing all pets to prevent reproduction. Main Menu

Most veterinarians, animal-welfare organizations and even animal-rights advocates strongly recommend sterilizing all pets to prevent reproduction, ideally before they are sexually mature. It is probably the one subject on which there is such widespread agreement. In addition to controlling the cat population and reducing the number of unwanted, homeless felines, sterilizing also benefits the individual cat.

Even if your pet never leaves your house, sterilization is better for your cat's health. Sterilized cats tend to live longer, healthier lives than their sexually active counterparts. Obviously, diseases of the removed organs are completely prevented, and the risks for a host of related diseases, including such things as mammarian cancer, are reduced. Contrary to popular belief, “fixed” cats do not become overweight, lazy or depressed. These conditions are due to overfeeding and lack of exercise.

More importantly, this operation will help preserve your sanity on a day-to-day basis. Have you ever tried to sleep while a female cat in heat paces incessantly around the house, yowling in apparent distress? Or have you ever smelled the pungent urine of an intact male? Even in the litter box the odor is enough to make your eyes water, and if he begins spraying urine around the house to mark his territory the situation can become unbearable. Sadly, through no fault of their own, many unfixed males are dumped off at animal shelters because of this very problem.

There are some other benefits: Cats not focused on finding a mate generally transfer their attention, and affection, to their owners. Sterilized outdoor cats won't roam far and wide looking for mates, and so are less likely to get lost. Neutered males stay out of the violent competitions for females that often lead to wounds and abscesses. Indoor cats, particularly males, will also show less aggression toward other cats.