Each year in Canada alone, almost 100,000 unwanted pets are humanely euthanized in shelters. Neutering is strongly advised to help reduce this overpopulation of cats in shelters and lower the number of homeless cats.
Did you know neutering your cat reduces unwanted behaviour? Intact males have a higher territorial drive which causes them to mark areas, including your house, with urine. Spraying is one of the leading behavioural problems in cats and the most effective solution is to neuter your cat. By neutering him prior to this behaviour setting in at maturity, you can greatly reduce the chance that he will spray in the future. Neutering can also decrease a male’s aggression and constant want for a mate resulting in fewer fights with other animals and making them less likely to roam.
Neutering is also beneficial to your cat’s health. Intact male cats are at a higher risk of developing inflammation and enlargement of the prostate as well as testicular tumors. Neutering your cat causes the prostate gland to shrink considerably reducing his risk of prostate related problems and reproductive cancers later in life.
Two of the biggest myths regarding neutering are that your cat’s personality will change and will gain weight. Your cat’s personality will not be altered after the procedure. Over time, your cat may become more subdued and less rambunctious with maturity, regardless of being neutered. Weight gain can be associated with the neuter due to the fact that it takes place around the same time that most cats approach their mature weight causing their growth requirements to decrease. Neutering your cat does reduce their metabolism which should be factored into their diet. Food type and quantity may need to be adjusted as well as properly exercising your cat (yes, cats need exercise!) in order to maintain a healthy body weight. Food type and quantity may need to be adjusted as well as properly exercising your cat (yes, cats need exercise!) in order to maintain a healthy body weight.
Contact Centrepointe Animal Hospital for more information on neutering your cat.