caring for your house cat

If you've recently purchased a kitten, you might be wondering whether you should get it spayed or neutered. You may have heard conflicting information about sterilization, and you may be confused about whether the procedure will benefit your kitten in the long run. You'll want to talk to a professional, like Chicago Cat Clinic, for the proper information. To help you make up your mind, here are four reasons why you should have your kitten spayed or neutered.

Prevents Spraying

Male cats love to spray. They do it to prevent other males from invading their mating territory. This can become a problem, especially when they start spraying urine all over your furniture. Neutering your male kitten will remove its desire to mate, which will remove its need to mark territory.

Reduces Roaming

Both male and female cats will roam to look for potential mates. Unfortunately, roaming the neighborhood can put them at risk for fights with other cats, dog attacks, and accidents involving automobiles. Having your kitten sterilized will reduce its need to roam the neighborhood. It's important to note that cats also roam to satisfy their curiosity. Spaying or neutering will not remove that urge.

Prevents Illnesses

Cats that aren't spayed or neutered are at risk for developing certain types of reproductive cancers including mammary, ovarian and testicular cancers. Unneutered male cats are also at an increased risk of developing feline leukemia – one of the leading causes of death in cats. The reason for this is because unneutered male cats tend to get into more fights, which can lead to deep bite wounds and the transmission of diseases through blood and saliva. It should be noted that feline leukemia can also be transmitted through shared litter boxes and food bowls.

Reduces Annoying Behavior

When female cats are in heat, they want to get outside to find a mate. They call potential mates through a system of howls and meows. Once the males in the neighborhood hear the howls or smell the scent of a cat in heat, they'll be on your porch spraying virtually everything they can mark. When that happens, your home will be filled with the sound of howls and the scent of cat urine. Having your cat spayed or neutered will reduce this annoying behavior.

Now that you have a kitten, you want to keep it happy and healthy. You can help protect your kitten's health by having it spayed or neutered as soon as possible. If you have further questions about the procedures, be sure to discuss those with your veterinarian.