Cat Spaying and Neutering - the Facts

Will my cat be deprived of manliness/the experience of motherhood?
We sometimes forget that cats don't think like humans, I would say that our social outlook on gender and gender-specific experiences does not bother them. Are there any risks involved? With any operation, there is an element of risk; even the simplest of procedures can become complicated. However the medical and behavioral advantages of spaying and neutering cats far outweigh the 'risk factor'. You will be improving the quality of his or her life as well as probably extending the lifespan of the cat. If you're still having doubts please consult your vet, and please bear in mind that these operations are the most common performed by veterinarians.

How much does it cost?
A good question. I am afraid I cannot give you a set price as I have found the cost varying depending on where you live and which veterinary clinic you go to. All I can say is that vets do recognize the importance of these operations, and many vets do offer significant financial discounts on these operations if financial difficulties are evident or if you're treating several cats (your own or stray cats). Remember that spaying and neutering cats is a lot cheaper, in the long run, than caring for generations of kittens.

I really love kittens and I'm sure I'll find good homes for all of them - why can't I let my cat breed?
Thousands of cats are put to sleep each year in the UK alone and in many countries stray and feral cats are simply poisoned by local authorities. You may love your kittens dearly but the fact is that there are simply not enough good homes in ratio to the number of cats born each year. Finding a good home for a kitten is not as easy as it seems. I wouldn't classify giving them away from a cardboard box at the back of a supermarket car park as finding a suitable home. You need to make sure that the new owners are willing to make a commitment to care and love a cat for what could be twenty years. It's a pyramid system, what if people who give their kittens to people who don't spay / neuter these kittens and these kittens grow up and have kittens / father kittens and so on and so on. This will start to spiral even more out of control. There are thousands of loveable cats and kittens waiting to be adopted in shelters all over the country. If you know anyone who is looking for a cat - point him or her in the right direction rather than the classifieds of your local newspaper.

But I want to breed Cats; Surely I can breed cats and find good homes for the kittens?
Breeding cats can be very complicated and requires professional knowledge about the breed and its genetics. If you are seriously interested in breeding cats, I would advise reading on the subject, visiting cat shows, speaking to other breeders and finding out any technicalities and problems that may occur. If you want to breed cats, surely knowledge and expertise is an important foundation. Some purebred cats are not suitable for breeding programs, do your background information first.

I hope that you find this information of use. Please think about things before you worry about the cost of spaying / neutering, or want to breed kittens. I have certainly enjoyed researching for this, the more you learn, the more you realize that these loveable cute little creatures depend on us for so much, and it's down to us to give our cats as much attention, love and care as possible.

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