Benefits of Spay & neuter

Benefits of Spaying (females)

• No heat cycles, therefore males will not be attracted

• Less desire to roam

• Risk of mammary gland tumors, ovarian and/or uterine cancer is reduced or eliminated, especially if done before the first heat cycle

• Reduces number of unwanted cats/kittens/dogs/puppies

• Helps dogs and cats live longer, healthier lives

Benefits of Neutering (males)

• Reduces or eliminates risk of spraying and marking

• Less desire to roam, therefore less likely to be injured in fights or auto accidents

• Risk of testicular cancer is eliminated, and decreases incidence of prostate disease

• Reduces number of unwanted cats/kittens/dogs/puppies

• Decreases aggressive behavior, including dog bites

• Helps dogs and cats live longer, healthier lives

Frequently Asked Questions

How old does my pet need to be in order to be spayed or neutered?
For many years, veterinarians were taught that cats and dogs had to be a year old to be spayed or neutered. Later, they were taught that six months was appropriate. Today we know that kittens and pups can be spayed or neutered at the age of two months (or two pounds). The American Veterinary Medical Association has endorsed this practice called Early Age Neutering; the animals recover more quickly from surgery when they are young. Today some vets will spay/neuter at eight weeks of age, while other adhere to the old practice of six months of age. The average age at which pets are spayed or neutered is four months.

How young can a female cat/dog get pregnant?
Cats and dogs as young as five months can get pregnant. For many reasons, it is important to spay or neuter BEFORE the first litter is born – before six months.

Can brother and sister from the same litter mate?
A brother and sister from the same litter can create their own litters by the age of five months. It is not a good idea to allow this to happen.

How long after my female cat/dog has had kittens/puppies can I get her spayed?
Mother cats or dogs can become pregnant while nursing. It is important to keep a nursing mother away from other adult cats/dogs of the opposite sex. One can spay a mother as soon as the kittens or pups are weaned, (5 to 6 weeks for kittens and 4 to 5 weeks for puppies) and because of the risk of pregnancy this should be done.

Will neutering my male cat stop him from spraying?
It is best to alter males before they reach five months of age, and before they start “spraying” or “marking.” Even if a cat has started spraying, neutering may help. It usually takes about 6 to 8 weeks for the hormones to subside after the neutering. Neutering helps prevent spraying, roaming and aggressive behavior.

Will my cat or dog feel pain during surgery?
Your cat or dog will be under anesthesia during surgery, and will feel no pain. You should keep the animal quiet after surgery while she or he heals. Dogs and cats should be kept indoors; dogs walked on a leash.

Will my animal’s behavior change after being altered?
Your animal’s behavior will not change except that male dogs and cats will be less likely to fight, roam and spayed females will no longer go into heat.

Will my animal become fat and lazy after being altered?
Your animal will not get fat and lazy after being spayed or neutered unless you feed him/her too much. To keep your pet healthy they should get regular exercise: walking for dogs, toys and scratching posts for cats.