Spaying (ovariohysterectomy) is
the removal of the uterus and both
ovaries in females. Neutering is the
removal of both testicles in males.
These procedures render the animal
sterile, and they also cease production
of the reproductive hormones (i.e.
estrogen and progesterone in females,
testosterone in males). Though essential
for reproduction, these hormones can have
undesired side effects – which are eliminated with spaying/neutering.
Spayed female cats no longer have a heat cycle, and no longer
exhibit the loud, nearly constant vocalizing of a cat in heat. In
addition, if your cat is spayed before her first heat cycle, you
may reduce the chance of development of mammary cancer.
And, of course, once your cat is spayed you no longer have the
problem of trying to find homes for unplanned litters of kittens.
Likewise, a neutered male cat no longer responds to females in
heat, so he is much less likely to roam long distances or fight with
other male cats over territory. Neutered male cats are also much
less likely to mark their territory by spraying urine on household
surfaces like drapes or furniture. Also, the urine odor of a neutered
male cat is less strong than the urine odor of an intact male cat.
In the United States, most pets are spayed/
neutered between 5 and 8 months of age.
Today’s laser spay/neuter procedures make
the surgery less invasive, with less blood loss,
less swelling, and faster healing for your
pet. Spaying or neutering is a healthy
choice we make for our pets,
one that results in fewer
pet euthanizations
and better overall
quality of life for our
cherished pets. |
