Most households in the U.S. have at least one pet, and as a pet owner, you have to be responsible when it comes to keeping your furry friend healthy.
Cats, especially, can suffer when it comes to having their needs recognized. As more independent animals, many cat owners believe they don’t need to intervene in their health as often.
From good dental hygiene to keeping those claws trimmed, cats still need to be looked after.
Many people believe that spaying and neutering is something that doesn’t affect their cat’s health; however, this isn’t the case. Here are a few more common myths about spaying and neutering your cat that you just shouldn’t believe.
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Myth #1: All veterinary clinics will spay or neuter my pet in the same way.
Even though cats and dogs can get pregnant once they’re five months old, you can’t just walk into any vet clinic and expect them to be able to perform a spaying or neutering procedure.
This procedure should only be performed at a clinic fully equipped for surgery, so take your time in researching instead of picking among cheap vets.
Additionally, some low-cost places will do a spay for extra cheap, but most of them are not doing any blood work on your pet, and there are often questionable or unmonitored anesthesia protocols.
At The Pet Vet, no animal undergoes any anesthetic procedure without full blood work assessing many parameters including liver and kidney function, white blood cell counts and ensuring there is no anemia or hidden infection present before surgery.
It is definitely worth paying a little extra for the safety of your beloved pet.
“Both neutering and spaying … must be performed only by a licensed veterinarian. Most cats are able to resume their normal activities within a few days, and the stitches are removed after about two weeks,” writes The Purrington Post.
Myth #2: Spaying or neutering won’t change my pet’s demeanor or personality.
Both kittens and puppies can be spayed or neutered when they reach six months old, and the procedure typically does change their behavior — but not for the worse.
Most of the time, spaying or neutering will make your cat calmer and more affectionate.
Female cats will no longer have heat cycles every three weeks during their breeding season.
Male cats, who are prone to aggression and marking their territory, typically become calmer and less territorial after neutering.
Is your cat aggressive towards other cats ? After a spaying or neutering procedure, this will likely change also, fortunately for the better.
In fact, cats are typically more friendly to other cats after the procedure.
Myth #3: The procedure is traumatizing for cats.
This myth could not be less true — spaying and neutering are both low-risk procedures, and there are no known negative psychological effects on male or female cats!
Most animal doctors agree that it’s in your pet’s best interest. Not only does it prevent unwanted litters, but it can also help reduce the risk of certain kinds of cancer and infections.
Plus, if your cat roams outside, you won’t need to worry about contributing to overpopulation in your neighborhood.
Countless stray cats suffer on the streets or are euthanized as a result of overpopulation. Spaying or neutering one cat could save so many others!
Myth #4: The procedure is expensive.
This is another common misconception — in most cases, the spaying and neutering processes are very affordable.
The only exception would be if you have a cat that needs special treatment during the process due to other conditions.
The spaying and neutering processes are important to the overall health of your cat, so the majority of animal doctors aim to make the procedure as affordable as possible.
That being said, if you’re on a strict budget and are worried about having trouble financing the procedure, don’t panic.
You may be able to find payment plans or finance the procedure. It may even be covered by your pet insurance.
The bottom line: don’t let perceived costs deter you from making the right decision for your pet’s health.
Myth #5: My pet stays indoors, so they don’t need to be spayed/neutered.
This major misconception can actually cause health issues for pets with owners who don’t know the facts.
Getting your pet spayed or neutered doesn’t just prevent accidental litters: as mentioned above, spaying and neutering present a multitude of health benefits for your cat.
In female cats, there is a lower risk of mammary cancer, uterine cancer, and infections.
In male cats, neutering effectively eliminates the risk of testicular cancer and prevents spraying behaviors that can cause problems in the household.
Furthermore, the aggression issues that lead to fights and injuries ?
They’re not limited to outdoor cats. If you have more than one cat living in the same household, there can be an increased risk of physical injury for all cats involved even with only one unaltered cat present.
Spaying and neutering can help ease these aggressive behaviors and ultimately protect your cats from some real physical harm.
Understanding the facts about spaying and neutering procedures can help you make the most informed decision for your furry friend’s health.
For more information about spaying, neutering, or any other procedures your cat may need, please book an appointment with one of our veterinarians today.
