Neutering is the most effective way to control numbers and can also help cats lead healthier, happier lives, says Cats Protection.\u00a0 <\/p>
Kittens<\/a> are undeniably cute, but it\u2019s a sad fact that many of them will later become unwanted\u00a0adult\u00a0cats.<\/p> Cats are prolific breeders \u2013 a female can have up to 18 kittens a year<\/a> \u2013 so unexpected pregnancies can quickly result in large numbers of\u00a0offspring. <\/p> Neutering is the most effective way to control numbers and can also help cats lead healthier, happier lives, says Sarah Elliott, Central Veterinary Officer for Cats Protection.\u00a0<\/p> Neutering has many benefits for your cat, you and the wider community. For cats,\u00a0it has health benefits and also helps keeps them safe. <\/p> Owners will have the peace of mind that neutered cats are less likely to develop illnesses or injuries which can be upsetting and expensive to treat. <\/p> Neutering is also important for cat welfare in general, helping to reduce the stray population, ease the strain on rehoming centres and prevent numbers of cats spiralling out of control.\u00a0<\/p> Neutering\u00a0has\u00a0many health benefits to female cats in general \u2013 reducing the risk of womb infections and the chance of developing tumours and some cancers. In fact,\u00a0neutering female cats before they\u2019re six months old cuts their risk of getting mammary cancer by over 90 percent.\u00a0<\/p> If they\u2019re not neutered, male cats may roam further from home to find a mate, increasing the risk of them getting lost, injured or killed in a car accident. <\/p> They\u2019re also more likely to fight with other males, which can spread infectious diseases like the\u00a0feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukaemia virus (FeLV). <\/p> As well as this increased risk of illness and injury, male cats who are not neutered may\u00a0develop unwelcome behaviours like spraying in the house.\u00a0<\/p> Some people mistakenly think that because their female cat does not\u00a0venture\u00a0far from home,\u00a0she will not come into contact with males. But it\u2019s important to remember that being in heat will cause behaviour changes designed to attract males. <\/p> By calling and spraying, she\u2019ll be sending out signals to unneutered male cats which can be detected from long distances. She may also wander further herself, putting her at risk of getting lost or injured. <\/p> Yes \u2013 neutering is important for all cats. Remember, cats have an extraordinary sense of smell and\u00a0males\u00a0can detect a female in heat from some distance. He\u2019ll go to great lengths to reach her, even squeezing through a small window opening.<\/p> Likewise, a female cat in heat may be determined to find an escape route\u00a0so she can find a mate. Unneutered cats may also develop unwelcome behaviours around the home like excessive calling and spraying.\u00a0<\/p> You can have your cat neutered at any age, so it\u2019s never too late. However, it\u2019s ideal\u00a0for\u00a0kittens\u00a0to be\u00a0neutered at around four months old,\u00a0as\u00a0this is when they can start breeding. <\/p> When it comes to mates, cats are not selective and will breed with siblings \u2013 so it you\u2019re taking on a brother and sister, make sure they\u2019re booked in for neutering as soon as they\u2019re old enough.\u00a0<\/p> Neutering is the word that most people use to describe the\u00a0operation which\u00a0stops\u00a0cats from breeding. In female cats, this procedure is sometimes called \u2018spaying\u2019 while in males it can also be referred to as \u2018castrating\u2019. \u00a0<\/p> Neutering\u00a0is a simple and routine operation which can be carried out by a vet. It is normally fairly quick and it\u2019s likely you will be able to take your cat home later the same day. Neutering is performed under general anaesthetic, so your vet will tell you when to stop feeding your cat in the hours before the operation.<\/p> In male cats, the testicles are removed and in female cats the uterus and ovaries are removed during the procedure. Your vet will give your cat painkilling medication and advice on caring for your cat when you get home.\u00a0<\/p> Most cats recover quickly from neutering and your vet will give you\u00a0information about aftercare. Female cats will have a small, shaved patch on her side or tummy and some stitches.<\/p> In male cat, stitches aren\u2019t used and the wounds tend to heal quickly. You should check your cat\u2019s wound each day for redness, swelling or discharge and if you have any concerns, contact your vet.<\/p> Once they\u2019re recovered, neutered cats may need less food as their bodies have less work to do. Keep an eye on your cat to make sure they\u2019re not putting on too much weight and speak to your vet if you are concerned.<\/p> There is no benefit in allowing a cat to have a litter of kittens or go into heat before she is neutered. In fact, the opposite can be true \u2013 because cats can become\u00a0pregnant so young, it can be\u00a0harmful for them to carry a pregnancy, especially if they are still developing themselves.\u00a0<\/p> How long are cats pregnant?<\/a> – check out our guide.<\/p> For more information about cat neutering or cat health in general, visit cats.org.uk\u00a0<\/a><\/p> Love cats?\u00a0Check out our\u00a0pets<\/a>\u00a0section for advice on cat care, from\u00a0<\/strong>what is catnip and what does catnip do to cats?<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0to\u00a0<\/strong>how to stop cats scratching furniture<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0and even\u00a0how to stop cats pooping in your garden<\/a><\/strong><\/p>What are the benefits of neutering?<\/h2>
Why do I need to get my male cat neutered?<\/h2>
Do I have to neuter my female cat, even if she doesn\u2019t go far?<\/h2>
Do indoor cats need to be neutered?<\/h2>
When\u00a0should\u00a0I have my cat neutered?<\/h2>
What\u2019s the difference between spaying and castrating?<\/h2>
How does a vet neuter a cat and is it safe?<\/h2>
How can I look after my cat after neutering?<\/h2>
Should cats have kittens before they\u2019re neutered?<\/h2>