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Cats are truly remarkable in many ways.
From their uncanny speed and agility, to their unique ability to manipulate an entire species into doing their bidding, these cute, cuddly creatures have an enviable set of skills.
But perhaps most impressive of all is their rabbit-like reproduction and ability to multiply exponentially. This is largely due to their extremely short gestation period, only 63 days.
With average litters of 4-6 kittens, who in turn will be sexually mature in just 4 months, it isn’t hard to imagine kittens having kittens that will soon have kittens of their own!
In fact, a single cat can produce up to 20,000 offspring in just five years.
How one action can save 20,000 lives
The fact that cats are so good at making babies is not the issue, per se. Instead, finding a suitable place for them to live out their lives is where the real challenge lies.
I mean, can you think of 19,000 friends that are in the market for a new pet? Neither can we.
The solution, it turns out, is really quite simple, neuter and spay your pets. That’s it!
Not only will this positively impact your cat’s health and behavior, but it’s also the best way to combat the epidemic where ~3,000,000 pets are euthanized each year.
What is the difference between spaying and neutering?
Neutering and spaying are two different procedures with the same ultimate objective, to make cats sterile so they are unable to reproduce.
Neutering is the term used for males, and involves removal of the testicles.
Spaying is the procedure females undergo, wherein the ovaries and uterus are removed.
Why should I spay or neuter my cat?
There are numerous reasons why you should spay or neuter your cats.
First, it’s the only way we will ever reduce, and eventually curb the homeless cat population.
Shelters are overcrowded, with many having little or no capacity to take on additional pets. As a result, each kitten born without a proper home will likely become a statistic.
3.1M cats enter shelters in America each year; less than half (41%) make it out alive.
Next, spaying or neutering your cats can reduce or eliminate many undesirable behaviors, such as spraying in males and going into heat for females.
Finally, spaying and neutering your cats can provide several health benefits, including:
- Eliminating the risk of ovarian and uterine cancer
- Reducing the risk of breast cancer
- Reducing the risk of pyometra, a life-threatening uterine infection
Is it dangerous to spay or neuter my cat?
Both spaying and neutering are routine procedures and complications are rare. However, as with any surgery, there is always a small risk.
It is important that all pre-operative instructions are strictly followed and that you report any signs of illness or previous medical conditions to your veterinarian prior to any sedation, anesthesia or surgery.
Conclusion
Having your cat spayed or neutered is an important part of being a responsible guardian.
Outside of a few rare situations it is the most humane choice. Not only will it keep your own pets safe, but you will be doing your part to curb animal homelessness and save lives.
With so much to gain, it’s hard to imagine that anyone would opt to keep their cats intact. Fortunately, the overwhelming majority understand this and do the right thing.
Thank you on behalf of all the cats.
