I am amazed that there still are people who are against spaying and neutering! A lot of people think it is “wrong” or “unnatural”, the truth is, if it did happen naturally, it would be totally different. Males would compete and only the “best” would get to mate, only the strongest pups or kittens get to survive. Also, the way we “help” raise the pups/kittens puts the mother in stress because in “real life” she wouldn’t care for the weak ones, yet we get to decide that for her. We mix up the wrong genes and we help the weak survive. I don’t mean that we should let them die, instead, we shouldn’t bring them into this world. People who breed irresponsibly are bringing more weak, genetically-ill, unstable and more “unwanted” animals to this world.
Reasons why you should spay or neuter your pet:
1) It is healthy. Spaying before two years of age can prevent mammary glands cancer, ovarian and uterine cancer, uterus infections, sexually transmitted diseases (yes animals have those too) and stress caused by going into heat, mating, giving birth and raising puppies/kittens. Some cats may not eat during their cycle. Roaming to find a mate is also dangerous as pets may get killed by cars, wildlife, or even by people. Neutering males can also prevent testicular and prostate cancer. Some pets who have medical issues such as epilepsy or diabetes should be spayed so that it doesn’t affect their medication. Neutering male cats would stop them from fighting for mates which reduces the risk of catching FIV, Feline leukemia and Stud Tail. Spayed and neutered pets live longer.
2) It saves money. Caring for a pregnant cat or dog is expensive. Check-ups, special diet, delivery problems, special equipment and other necessities are costly. Insuring that the male and female are free of any inherited health problems and sexual diseases is itself expensive. When the puppies are born, caring for 6+ kittens or puppies needs A LOT of money. Vet checks, vaccines, feeding, collars and leashes, all of that and more should be the breeder’s responsibility.
3) Rehoming is difficult. Finding a home for one cat or dog is exhausting, and since the litter size is uncontrollable you could end up with 6+ puppies or kittens! Some breeds of dogs can have a dozen pups a litter! Making sure that these babies go to safe and loving homes that will keep them for the rest of their lives is, I assure you, very difficult.
4) It is cleaner. Males fixed at a young age will not mark their territory (urinate everywhere) the way unaltered males would. Females would go into heat, cats would cry and become very annoying (seriously), female dogs would bleed. It’s not pretty.
5) Neutering and spaying will make your pet a better pet. Some behavioral issues can be avoided if the pet is fixed. Aggression, mounting and other problems can be resolved by spay or neuter. Spayed or neutered dogs are also easier to train.
6) Nobody wants any more strays. As simple as that, no one wants to see more cats or dogs on the streets. There are just too many homeless animals already. By spaying or neutering your pet, you will avoid having unwanted litters. Shelters are already filled with unwanted pets and puppies or kittens that are “mistakes”.
Still not convinced? Think of all the hundreds of animals dying every day because no one wants them. Do YOU want to increase that number? I didn’t think so. Want to show your kids or want to witness the miracles of birth? Get on Nat Geo Wild, it will take your breath away! The following images are graphic, but they are real pictures from real pets in Kuwait. Thank you Royal Animal Hospital for allowing me to use these pictures. All of this pain and suffering that the animals have been put through could have been avoided by a simple surgery. You be the judge, is it right or is it wrong?
Ine*vet*able Fate 