One of the most important steps you can take for the lifelong health of your cat is to have him or her neutered or spayed. This relatively simple procedure will keep your cat healthier
and reduce certain unwanted behaviors, such as roaming, praying, and yowling. You are also doing your part to help reduce the numbers of unwanted kittens that are placed in
animal shelters each year.

What Is a 'Spay'?
Spaying, also known as ovariohysterectomy, is a surgical procedure in which the reproductive organs (ovaries and uterus) are removed from a female cat. The procedure is performed while your pet is under general anesthesia.
While spaying is generally a simple and safe procedure, it is still a major surgery in which the abdominal cavity is opened to remove the reproductive organs. At the end of the procedure,
the incision is closed with sutures and/or staples and will take 10 to 14 days to heal.
Depending on the age, size, and health of your cat, she may stay at your veterinarian's office for a few hours or a few days. Be sure to follow your veterinarian's recommendations regarding
pain medication and aftercare, such as keeping your cat calm and quiet for a few days.

What Is a 'Neuter'?
Also called a castration, neutering is a surgical procedure in which both testicles are completely removed from your cat. Neutering is a minor surgical procedure that is done while your cat is under general anesthesia.
Your pet's abdominal cavity is not opened during a neutering procedure. At the end of the procedure, the incision is closed with sutures or skin-bonding material and will take 10 to 14 days to heal. As with spayed animals, your dog may stay at your veterinarian's office for a few hours or a few days depending on his age, size, and health. Be sure to follow your veterinarian's recommendations regarding aftercare.

SPAY/NEUTER Q & A
Q: Will my spayed/neutered cat get fat and lazy?
A: As long as you avoid overfeeding and make sure your cat gets plenty of exercise by playing with her regularly, she will not become fat or lazy.
Q: Isn't it better for a cat to have one litter first?
A: No. Evidence shows that females spayed before their first heat cycle are typically healthier overall.
Q: Will spaying/neutering change my cat's personality?
A: Spaying or neutering does not affect a cat's natural instincts. Their personalities are formed more by genetics and environment than by sex hormones.
Q: Will my male cat feel like less of a male?
A: Not at all. Cats don't have any concept of sexual identity or ego. Neutering will not change his basic personality, and he will have no emotional reaction when neutered.

Why Should I Spay or Neuter My Cat?
Research shows that removing the reproductive organs of female pets before their first heat cycle (around 6 months of age) significantly reduces the chance of breast cancer. Spaying
also removes the possibility of uterine infection as well as ovarian or uterine cancer. In males, neutering eliminates the possibility of enlargement of the prostate gland as well as
testicular cancer. Altering a pet also reduces the influence of reproductive hormones on a pet's behavior, making him or her less likely to roam, mount, or exhibit aggressive behavior.
Another very important reason is that spaying or neutering your cat helps to reduce the nation's pet overpopulation problem. Sadly, according to The Humane Society of the United States, between 3 and 4 million unwanted dogs and cats are euthanized each year in the nation's pet shelters, and that is probably a conservative number. Even if you can guarantee homes for all the kittens your cat delivers, it simply means there will be fewer
potential homes available for other unwanted pets.

When Should I Spay or Neuter My Cat?
Most cats are able to reproduce by the time they are 6 to 12 months old, so the procedure should be done before then to eliminate the chance of an unwanted litter. The cost of
spaying or neutering depends on the sex, size, and age of your cat, your veterinarian's fees, and a number of other variables.