You’ve got a female cat and putting it through what seems like an unnecessary operation can sound like a bad idea. It’s an understandable thought process, however there are some important reasons your cat should be spayed.
Spaying is the surgical removal of a cat’s ovaries and uterus. This not only stops them from having a reproductive cycle but can prevent a range of issues. Let’s take a close look at spaying, and whether or not it’s right for your cat.
Practical Reasons for Cat Spaying
Perhaps the most obvious reason to spay a cat is to prevent unwanted cat litters. Having a cute kitten may seem like a nice thing, but it can quickly become overwhelming. Cats can have multiple litters a year and average around four to six kittens at a time.
They all need care and finding a home for them can be difficult, especially if you don’t have a rare cat breed. It means that these kittens can end up going to shelters, which are often overwhelmed already.
Plan to have an indoor cat? Well, when on heat they are more likely to try and escape to find a mate. It only takes one mistake, and your cat can end up pregnant. Spaying helps to prevent this roaming which can also reduce the risk of them getting lost or injured, especially if they aren’t used to being outside.
Health Reasons for Cat Spaying
Spaying will also reduce the risk of certain health issues. They are less likely to get urine infections such as pyometra. Added to this, you don’t have to worry about any complications from pregnancy and it will reduce hormonal stress.
Crucially, it will also prevent related cancers. It will reduce the risk of mammary cancer, prevent ovarian cancer, and eliminate the risk of reproductive tract tumors. If you’re not convinced yet, a study of 460,000 cats showed that spayed cats live an incredible 39% longer than unspayed cats.
Behavioral Reasons for Cat Spaying
Cats usually first go into heat (the part of their reproductive cycle when they are fertile) around 4-6 months of age. This usually happens in their breeding season from spring to fall and will happen every 2-3 weeks for their entire lives.
There are a lot of behavioral changes that come with this. Cats can become restless, agitated, and more anxious. They’ll get into positions for mating, expose their genital area, and can have a loss of appetite.
Perhaps the most frustrating behavior is spraying urine. They will mark areas with strong-smelling urine, indicating they are ready to mate. This can be done on beds, sofas, and other inconvenient areas.
Considerations Before Spaying
There are negatives to spaying your cat, with one being the surgical risk. Your cat is placed under general anesthesia, which has a small risk of complications. However, the risk of this surgery is minimal when compared to the health risk of them not being spayed.
You also need to look out for weight gain, as spayed cats will have a slightly reduced metabolic rate. This is just something you need to be mindful of and if your cat is gaining weight, then you can adjust their diet and exercise.
There is also the cost to consider. However, costs can vary significantly depending on the clinic you choose. If this is an issue for you, many animal shelters and low-cost programs can offer more affordable options.
Common Myths About Spaying Cats
There is a line of thinking that it’s healthiest for cats to have one litter before being spayed. There is no evidence to support this, and actually doing it before their first heat cycle will offer the most benefits.
Another myth is that it will change a cat’s personality. It will change their heat-related behaviors, but it will have no impact on their fundamental personality. The cat you had before the spaying will be the same cat you had afterwards.
The other falsehood is that indoor cats don’t need to be spayed. As we’ve seen, there are many key reasons to get your indoor cat spayed, even if it never even sees a male cat. And unless you want to be cleaning up urine all the time, it’s best to get it done.
When Spaying Might Not Be Recommended
Spaying your cat is almost always a good idea, but there are times when it’s not advised. It may be that your cat is underweight or too young. Ideally, your cat should reach full maturity and be able to handle the anesthesia.
Certain health conditions may mean that avoiding or delaying spaying may be in the cat’s best interest. Heart conditions are a good example of this or if your cat has a medical condition they need to recover from first before having the operation
For almost all cats, spaying is advised. Rather than making your own judgment call, it’s always advisable to get the expert opinion of a vet. Most will have carried out this procedure hundreds of times and know what to look for.
Do I Have to Get My Female Cat Spayed?
To answer the main question, the answer is no, but you should. There are no ethical, practical, or health reasons to not get your cat spayed. It’s not a personal decision, as it’s the best thing for your cat’s well-being and the wider cat community.
Your cat will live longer and have a less stressful life if spayed. Putting your cat in for an operation may seem daunting, but vets do this every day. Just as many humans have similar procedures when the time is right.
Outside of motherhood, cats don’t have the same emotional need for parenting as humans and don’t form the same emotional bonds. Your cat won’t only not feel sad after being spayed, they are more likely to live a happy and healthy life. Spaying isn’t a legal requirement, but it’s undoubtedly the best thing to do.
