Across all species the common reason for neutering is population control and as such the practice encourages neutering as part of responsible pet ownership. There are many reasons to advocate neutering in addition to simple population control and there are also some potential pitfalls which should not be disregarded.
A summary of the advantages of neutering in felines is summarised below.
SPAY
Removal of the ovaries and the womb in female animals
Cats Queens (female cats)
Advantages
- Prevention of pregnancy and unwanted kittens
- Prevention of Calling where cats will constantly yowl to attract a mate
- Prevention of uterine infection (pyometra)
- Lowering the incidence of mammary tumours
CASTRATE
Removal of the testis in male animals
Tom Cats(male cats)
Advantages
- Reduction in the number of unwanted kittens
- Reduction of spraying urine and territory marking
- Reduction of wandering behaviour and therefore getting lost and potentially being involved in road accidents
- Reduction in fighting and therefore transmission of the blood borne viruses Feline Immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and Feline leukaemia virus (FeLV)
Cats are generally neutered at 4-6 months of age