1. The most important reason is that there are too many unwanted cats in Bermuda. If we keep the numbers of litters of kittens down then each cat will be able to have the loving home it deserves.
2. Unwanted cats that do not make it to the SPCA to be adopted are often abandoned and become feral. Feral cats can carry disease and often end up leading very hard lives being abused or worse, by people who find them a nuisance.
3. Un-spayed female cats go into heat several times during autumn and spring every year when they will spray and yowl for hours at a time. You will have to keep her housed for several weeks if you do not want a tomcat to find her and impregnate her, leaving you responsible for the inevitable litters of kittens that will follow.
4. The mating instincts of un-neutered cats cannot be curbed or controlled. They will wander off for days at a time to find a female in heat. In their roaming they can get up to all sorts of strife in fights and accidents or even get lost being unable to get home. By neutering your cat, you can prevent this.
ROAMING: 90% will reduce this behavior with neutering
Approx. 60% reduce this behavior right away.
FIGHTING: 90% will reduce this behavior with neutering
Approx.60%will reduce this behavior right away.
URINE MARKING: 90% will reduce this behavior with neutering
Approx. 80% reduce this behavior right away.
5. Spayed or neutered cats are healthier cats. Female cats for example, spayed before their first heat are less likely to develop mammary cancer and potentially fatal uterine conditions. Unwanted pregnancies in sick and aging cats can also be fatal.
Male cats which have been neutered have less chance of being injured in fights over females, or of developing prostate problems. If it's done before puberty then the male cats do not develop the secondary sex characteristics which include a more muscular body, thickenings around the face and spines on the penis.
6. Spayed or neutered cats are often much more friendly with their owners than they might otherwise be. Being free from the hormonally charged behaviors that are so tedious to live with, cats are free to explore their homes and develop distinct personalities which give can give their owners such enormous pleasure.
7. Getting your cat spayed or neutered and having a healthier cat can save you money in the long run. Neutering and spaying are relatively cheap procedures and can save you costly vet bills and a lot of angst in the future.
Something to remember!
You should still get your cat spayed or neutered even if you don't think you can afford it. Call the SPCA at 236-7333 and we will work with you to find a way.
When should you spay or neuter your animal?
Neutering at any age will produce the reductions in unwanted behaviors with the same statistics as listed above, however the best time to neuter your animal is before it reaches puberty. There is no evidence to support the concern that kittens will be stunted or small if neutered or spayed early. So, unless your cat has a health problem spaying or neutering is considered safe at ANY age. Most of the time, the owners of mature cats-as well as the cats themselves-enjoy all the benefits of the spay/neuter surgeries also!!
Author: Kate Russell - SPCA Volunteer
‘We speak for those who cannot speak for themselves’
We would like to thank the following sponsors for kindly donating time, expertise and cash to create our new web site.
