Many cat parents do not spay or neuter their cat because they believe some of the myths that are floating around, and they don’t fully understand the benefits of this procedure for their cat. Since February is Spay and Neuter Awareness Month, and today is World Spay Day, Lola and I think this is the perfect time to bust some of these myths for anyone who is unsure.
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Lola and Lexy's Top Five Myths About Spay/Neuter
1. My Cat Will Get Fat and Lethargic
Cats become overweight due to lack of exercise and because their humans overfeed them or do not feed them a proper diet. Lack of exercise can also lead to lethargy, as does lack of mental stimulation. (See this post for ideas on how to mentally stimulate your cat.) If you observe that your cat is gaining weight after their spay/neuter surgery, take a look at what you’re feeding them and make sure they get exercise.Note: Lola The Rescued Cat is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
(Wand toys are a great way to get your cat moving, and it also increases the amount of quality time you spend with them.)
In the long run, making sure your cat is spayed or neutered can save you money because conditions such as mammary cancer, uttering infections, and prostate gland enlargement will be much less likely to occur.
Sources:Bristol Humane Society Margaret B. Mitchell Spay / Neuter Clinic, www.mbmspayneuterclinic.org/articles/information/myths-facts-about-spaying-and-neutering/201402281516083534.
Editorial, PetMD. “Setting the Record Straight on Spay and Neuter Myths.” PetMD, PetMD, 22 Sept. 2017, www.petmd.com/dog/care/setting-record-straight-spay-and-neuter-myths.
“Myths & Facts.” Spay-Neuter Assistance Program, 15 Jan. 2020, www.snapus.org/myths-facts/.
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2. It's Too Expensive
The price for spay/neuter surgeries varies depending on where you live and also what your private vet charges. Yes, it could be expensive for some people. But there are low cost options available as well. Pet Smart Charities and the ASPCA are two good resources to refer to when you are looking for lower cost options. (In our area, the ASPCA has mobile vans that perform spay/neuter surgeries.) You can also contact a local shelter for referrals, or do an internet search for “low cost spay neuter (enter your town).”In the long run, making sure your cat is spayed or neutered can save you money because conditions such as mammary cancer, uttering infections, and prostate gland enlargement will be much less likely to occur.
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| Photo by ckellyphoto via Deposit Photos |
3. It Will be Too Painful for my Cat
The surgery is performed while your cat is under anesthesia, so they will not feel a thing. It’s possible your cat may feel some minor discomfort afterward, but your vet can help manage that with medication. Any discomfort is short term, and cats usually return to their everyday activities within 24 to 72 hours.4. My Cat Will Have a Different Personality
This myth does have some truth to it, but in a good way! All of the positive, loving qualities of your cat’s personality will stay the same. What will change is aggression, tendencies to roam, howling, and marking – all negative things. All the things you love about your cat will not change.5. My Cat is a Purebred and Should not be Fixed
Purebred cats also experience the health benefits of being spayed or neutered. Being a purebred does not protect a cat from being surrendered to shelters. More purebreds are abandoned than you think, so it is so important to prevent accidental litters of kittens. |
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We hope we debunked a few myths for you. What are myths have you heard about spaying and neutering?
You can catch up on all of our Top Five posts here. Be sure not to miss our next Top Five post for some more great information. You won't want to miss it!
Lola and Lexy
Sources:
Editorial, PetMD. “Setting the Record Straight on Spay and Neuter Myths.” PetMD, PetMD, 22 Sept. 2017, www.petmd.com/dog/care/setting-record-straight-spay-and-neuter-myths.
“Myths & Facts.” Spay-Neuter Assistance Program, 15 Jan. 2020, www.snapus.org/myths-facts/.
There are so many myths about it. I remember when I worked for a vet a very long time ago, when the kittens were inoculated and we told the owner to make sure they got them spayed in a couple of months it was amazing how many said they thought it was better for them to have a litter first.
ReplyDeleteAll excellent points! Cats can become fertile at a really early age, too. In 2019 a feral mom brought us five kittens (she's spayed now), and we kept them all. It had been awhile since I'd had kittens around . . . they began to mature at about five or six months of age; they are all spayed and neutered now.
ReplyDeleteOnly humans would think this isn't a good thing to do.
ReplyDeleteHi Lexy! Great post! Spay and neuter are so important and we can tell you that a cat's disposition improves after the spay/neuter! We have also worked with a local vet for spay/neuter for barn cats. Us cats can multiply rather quickly! Thanks for the 5 tips! You are Awesome! Have a happy day!
ReplyDeleteExcellent post. Even if there is some pain from spay surgery, it is better than mammary cancer down the road. XO
ReplyDeleteThat thoughts about having a litter first seem to be pervasive thinking. That is pure sentimental human- type wrong thinking and putting human thoughts into a cat.
ReplyDeleteI don't see the problem with spaying a purebred unless you are breeding it or plan to sell it to breed it.
ReplyDeleteI've heard men voice the opinion that they cannot get their pet fixed, because they internalize it like they themselves are getting fixed! So silly, and stupid, imho.
ReplyDeleteAlways goo dot remind people about the importance of neutering and spaying!
ReplyDeleteI can't believe that people still believe these things! ~Ernie
ReplyDeleteIt amazes me that people STILL believe some of these things. Oh, and there's one extra too: guys with issues about their masculinity sometimes don't want to neuter their male cats. Just an observation from my human.
ReplyDeleteThis is a good and important post, Lola and Lexy! As longtime shelter volunteers, we have heard SO many excuses about why people don't spay and neuter. :(
ReplyDeleteVery well said! We will always spay and neuter our pets.
ReplyDeleteHuh. So many of these never occurred to me! I guess the desire to stop pet homelessness and unwanted litters outweighs all other concerns for me (but it's nice these are myths and not true as well!).
ReplyDeleteI worried about one of these things when my babies were spayed and several neutered in the beginning. But I know it was best. By the time Admiral came to me, I was cool with the right thing to do. Thank you Lexy.
ReplyDeleteFabulous post! I can't imagine not spaying or neutering a pet.
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