Benefits of Spaying
I just got a new kitten. Should I have her spayed, and if so, at what age?
Congratulations on the newest addition to your family and thanks for asking an important question about spaying and neutering. If animals are not spayed or neutered, the potential results are staggering--millions of cats and dogs are euthanized each year due to overpopulation and lack of homes
Spaying or neutering also provides your pet with many health and behavioral benefits. Spaying or neutering your pet will not alter the pet’s training or its ability to work or hunt.
Spayed or neutered pets are less likely to roam, which helps to prevent pets from becoming lost or stolen, being hit by cars, or contracting a contagious disease through fighting with other animals. Spaying can reduce the risk of mammary cancer in females and neutering will reduce the risk of prostate problems and tumors in males.
Neutering decreases urine odor in males and makes male cats less likely to spray urine to mark territory. Spaying and neutering helps control pet overpopulation by reducing the number of litters of puppies or kittens who will need good homes.
Spay or neuter surgery is safe to perform when your pet is as young as eight weeks old. Even if your pet is older though, the benefits of spaying and neutering are numerous.
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