Spay and Neuter Myths
People come up with all kinds of excuses not to fix their cats. Below are some of the most common reasons we hear, and also an explanation why these excuses aren’t valid.“My cat will get fat and lazy.”
Any cat will become fat and lazy if they are overfed and do not get enough exercise. If you provide your cat with healthy food and stimulation, he or she will be fine and fit.
“My cat doesn't go outside, so he/she doesn't need to be fixed.”
Cats find their way out whether we want them to or not! There is no guarantee that your pet won't get loose by accident and it only takes one escape to create a litter…or many litters!
“My cat's personality will change.”
This is sometimes true, but usually that change is for the better! After being fixed, your pet will be less aggressive toward other dogs or cats, will be more affectionate towards you and will be less likely to wander. Your cat will also be unlikely to spray (urine marking) after they are fixed.
“I just couldn't look my cat in the eye if I had him castrated.”
You're doing what we call “anthropomorphizing”, that is, giving your cat human feelings. Cats don't have a sense of gender in the way humans do, and they won’t be mad at you if you fix them.
“It's natural and it wouldn't be fair if we didn't let them have at least one litter.”
When we domesticated our companion animals, we took “natural” out of the equation. They are no longer wild animals and are dependent on our choices. We have caused the pet overpopulation problem by interfering with natural selection. We now have the responsibility to solve it. Besides, giving birth has health risks, not giving birth doesn't.
“My children should witness our cat giving birth.”
Pets often have their litters at night or in a hiding place so you'll rarely see it. If pets are disturbed or can't have privacy when giving birth, it can result in an animal refusing to care for their babies. If you want the experience of caring for a litter, consider fostering for The Humane Society. Taking care of a pregnant mom, or nursing mom with babies will teach your children the value of saving animals and the responsibility of finding them good homes.
“We can sell kittens to make money.”
The Humane Society is trying to find homes for cats for a very nominal cost, and our adoption fee includes medical care, vaccinations and more, and we still can’t find homes for all our animals. Chances are you won’t be luckier then we are. Besides, the cost of raising a litter is very expensive and will be more than the profit of selling the animal.
“We will find homes for all of the kittens, we already know people who are interested.”
When you find a home for a new kitten from your cat’s litter, you are taking a home away from a cat in a shelter, who may be euthanized if no home is found.
“We want another pet just like Fluffy,” or “Every one wants my animals/purebreds.”
Breeding two purebred animals rarely results in babies that are exactly like one of the parents. With mixed breeds, it is impossible to have offspring that are exactly like one of the parents.
“I'm afraid the surgery isn't safe and my pet might die.”
Getting a pet spayed or neutered is the most common surgery performed and is very safe. Many veterinarians use equipment which monitors heart and respiratory rates during surgery to make sure the pets are doing well. The health benefits of having your pet spayed or neutered are far greater than the risk involved with surgery.
