Protect Your Cat with Spaying & Neutering
Are you a proud pet parent to a cat or do you hope to adopt one sometime soon? Spaying and neutering is an essential part of your cat’s health journey, and it actually does a lot to protect their health from serious complications in the future. Cats that have been spayed or neutered live longer, happier lives and have a lower risk of developing certain types of cancers. Some health conditions and unwanted behaviors can be completely eliminated through the process of spaying and neutering. Our top JAX animal hospital has some information on how spaying and neutering can help your pet have a better quality of life. Keep reading to learn more about why you should have your cat spayed or neutered.
Throughout the US, stray cats have crowded animal shelters and overwhelmed the veterinary care system. Cats are so overpopulated that many strays are often put down simply because the resources to care for them do not exist. Spaying and neutering is actually the humane solution to the overpopulation of stray animals because it prevents unwanted pregnancies and gives strays a better chance at getting adopted. Not only will this procedure help prevent the overpopulation of animals, it will also protect your cat from serious health complications in the future. Female cats that have been spayed before their first heat are less likely to develop uterine infections, uterine cancers, and breast cancers. Male cats that have been neutered are completely protected from testicular cancers and they have a lower risk of future prostate issues. Cats that are spayed or neutered before six months old receive the most health benefits because they have not yet reached sexual maturity. Kittens as young as eight weeks old can be spayed or neutered, but cats can be spayed or neutered at any age beyond that point.
Our top JAX animal hospital also recommends spaying and neutering to help reduce unwanted behaviors. Some behaviors, like hissing, aggression, and even wandering. A cat that is not looking to mate will be much calmer, easier to get along with, and they will not be trying to jump out of windows or sneak out of doors. Male cats tend to seek out female cats that are in heat, and female cats in heat will often call strays to come find her. Without a drive to mate, your cat will be perfectly content at home. Cats that have not been spayed or neutered will also be more likely to be aggressive to strangers or other cats. Choosing to spay or neuter at a young age will prevent your cat from developing this aggressive instinct. A wandering cat will be at a higher risk for injury and for parasitic infection. Parasites are a major health issue for your cat because they will often not show signs of anything being wrong until their condition has progressed significantly. Parasitic infections can lead to permanent organ damage and it will greatly reduce your cat’s quality of life and life expectancy.
Do your part to reduce the overpopulation of cats by asking out top JAX animal hospital about spaying and neutering. Our team can provide you with more information about your cat’s specific health needs. You can reach our team by calling (904) 731-5341.