Why You Should Spay/Neuter Your Cat And How You Can Afford It

Spaying or neutering a pet is often a hot topic among pet parents. I’ve personally known people who refuse spay/neuter surgery for a variety of reasons, and I’ve even had debated conversations with family members. Spaying/neutering your cat is one of the greatest acts of kindness you can show them because it will improve their lives and health long term. Spaying/neutering also helps control pet overpopulation and saves thousands of cats’ lives every year.  

My experience has been that some cat parents are either uninformed or misunderstand the benefits of this important procedure. Today I’ll explore some key reasons why your cat should be spayed/neutered and hopefully debunk some myths as well.

Why You Should Spay/Neuter Your Cat

Your Cat Will Live a Longer, Happier, and Healthier Life

USA Today published an article in May 2013 stating that cats (and dogs) who live in states with higher spay/neuter rates have longer life spans. Spaying your female cat prior to their first heat cycle greatly reduces their risk of uterine infections and uterine/breast cancer. Neutered male cats are at less risk to develop prostate gland enlargement and perianal tumors.  

Unneutered male cats have a tendency to roam and are at a higher risk of being injured, or of becoming infected with feline immunodeficiency virus and feline leukemia. Once neutered their instinct to breed is reduced, and they are happier to stay at home. 

Photo via ASPCA

It’s Cost Effective

In the long run, spaying/neutering your cat will be more cost effective than not doing it. Since your cat is at less risk for serious health issues (see above), you will avoid costly surgeries and treatments which could easily run in the thousands of dollars. Additionally, the cost of a spay/neuter surgery is much less than having to care for a litter of kittens (the cost of which includes not only food but veterinary care as well.) And if your male cat roams, or get out of the house, and happens to find himself in a real life cat fight with another territorial male, the vet bills from injuries could be costly.

It Eliminates “Problem” Behaviors

Spaying/neutering generally reduces the undesirable behaviors that many cat owners find frustrating. Your neutered male cat will not have the instinct to mark his territory; i.e, he will not spray urine around your house.  According to the Human Society of the United States, neutering your male cat can solve 90% of all marking issues. Neutered males have less of a desire to roam because their instinct to breed is reduced. Thus, they will be protected from community dangers (cars, larger predators, etc.) because they will be happier to stay at home.

Spayed females will not go into their heat cycle and will not experience the related constant crying and howling, pacing, and sometimes spotting. 

Photo via Ershova_Veronika getty images

It Decreases Animal Over Population

Let’s face it, street life is tough for a cat. Winters are harsh, summers are hot, and many times food is scarce. Not to mention the dangers that community cats face. Many who do find their way to a shelter are often euthanized because they are deemed “unadoptable”. The Humane Society of the United State estimates that between 6 and 8 million animals enter shelters every year. Six to 8 million! And barely half of them are adopted. Their fates can be changed simply by spaying and neutering. 

Let’s Debunk a Few Myths

Many pet owners are misinformed regarding spaying and neutering and there are some myths floating around. Let’s take a look at a few. 

My Cat Will Get Fat

According to Alley Cat Allies, cats require fewer calories to maintain a healthy weight after being sterilized. If an altered cat is gaining weight it can more likely be due to lack of exercise and excessive food than being spayed or neutered.

Photo via deposit photos

My Cat Should Experience Motherhood at Least Once

Alley Cat Allies has a wealth of information regarding spaying and neutering. They tell us that female cats do not need to experience motherhood. They don’t reproduce because they want to, they reproduce because Mother Nature (their hormones) tells them they have to. A spayed female cat has no urge to reproduce because they no longer go into heat. 

My Cat’s Personality Will Change

In part, this is true. Your cat’s personality will change, but in a positive way. (See above regarding roaming, howling, spraying, etc.) The characteristics of your cat’s personality that you love will remain the same after they are sterilized. 

My Cat Will Never be Around Other Cats

Even if your cat will be an “only child”, they should still be spayed or neutered. As stated above, neutered males are less likely to roam and look for a mate. And if and if they do get out, they cannot impregnate another cat. The health benefits of spaying/neutering are worth doing it. 

It Costs Too Much

Many pet parents believe the cost of spaying and neutering is cost prohibitive. While going to your private vet can be on the expensive side, there are many low cost options available. I’ll delve into this below. 

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How to Find Low Cost Spay Neuter Programs

Understandably, pet parents often opt not to spay/neuter due to the cost. While going to your private vet can be expensive, there are affordable options that will enable you to take care of your pet. A good place to start is doing a search for low cost spay/neuter programs in your area. I did a search for my hometown and when I entered “low cost spay neuter Rockland County NY” many options came up, including Hudson Valley Human Society where I adopted Lexy.

If for some reason you don’t find an alternative that works for you in your area, here are some websites that may be helpful: 

ASPCA 

Pet Smart Charities 

Animal League America 

Humane Society of the United States 

Love That Cat 

Alley Cat Allies 

If you live in or near New York City, these are great resources: 

Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals 

Animal Care Centers of NYC 

Neighborhood Cats 

I hope this article was informative and educational and gives you tools to educate people you know. Let’s make cats happy and save lives along the way by spreading the word about the benefits of spaying and neutering. 

Are your cats spayed and neutered? Have you ever encountered someone who didn’t want to spay or neuter their cats? 

Dawn 

Additional Resources: 

Pet Health Network

American Humane