Three Great Reasons To Spay Your Female Cat
If you have a female cat, it's essential that you make an appointment with your vet to have her spayed as soon as possible. The obvious reason for this is so you can avoid having litter after litter of kittens. But there are many other good reasons to spay your female cat, too. Here's a closer look.
Reduced Risk of Cancer
Female cats have an increasing risk of reproductive cancers, such as uterine and ovarian cancers, as they age. These cancers are very painful and often claim a cat's life. Even if the cat survives, treatment is very expensive, and the cat often suffers throughout the process. If you have your cat spayed, she can never develop uterine or ovarian cancers. She will also have a lower risk of mammary cancer due to a change in hormone levels that occurs after spaying. Spayed female cats simply live longer, healthier lives than intact females.
Easier Time Keeping Her Indoors
When female cats go into heat, they become very intent on finding a mate. Many cats have been known to sneak outside in search of companionship. She may slip out the door when you're coming inside, or they may scratch through a screen and take off. Outdoors, your cat can end up injured if she is attacked by others. She may also be exposed to diseases such as rabies, feline leukemia, and feline herpes virus. Once spayed, a female cat will no longer go into heat and will therefore have much less drive to try escaping from your home. She'll stay inside where she is safe and sound.
Less Euthanization
There is a serious problem with cat overpopulation in the United States. Animal shelters are bursting at the seams, and even though many no-kill shelters aim not to euthanize animals, there are many sick and injured ones that simply cannot be saved. By spaying your cat, you guarantee that she does not have any kittens--so you don't contribute to the overpopulation problem. Even if your cat's kittens would not end up in a shelter, they would end up in homes that otherwise could adopt a cat from a shelter.
Spaying your female cat is always the best choice. Talk to your vet, one like All Creatures Animal Hospital, to learn more about the surgical process, which is very common and very safe. Your cat will be given anesthesia and pain relievers to keep her comfortable, and in the long run, she will be healthier and happier.
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