26/09/2025
Spaying a female cat (also known as an ovariohysterectomy) offers numerous medical, behavioral, and community benefits:
Health Benefits:
Prevents life-threatening infections: It eliminates the risk of a serious, potentially fatal uterine infection called pyometra, which is common in unspayed mature female cats.
Reduces cancer risk: It eliminates the risk of ovarian and uterine cancers, and significantly reduces the risk of mammary (breast) cancer, especially if done before the first heat cycle. Mammary tumors are malignant in about 90% of cats.
Promotes a longer, healthier life: Studies have shown that spayed cats generally live longer than unaltered cats.
Behavioral Benefits:
Eliminates heat cycles: Female cats typically go into "heat" multiple times a year, which involves behaviors like excessive, loud yowling, anxious pacing, and frequent rubbing/rolling. Spaying eliminates these distressing cycles.
Reduces roaming: Intact females are driven by instinct to find a mate and may try to escape the house, exposing them to dangers like traffic and fights with other animals.
May prevent inappropriate urination: Cats in heat may urinate more frequently, sometimes outside the litter box, to mark their territory and attract mates.
Community and Population Control:
Prevents unwanted litters: Spaying is the most effective way to help control the pet overpopulation crisis, which results in millions of healthy dogs and cats being euthanized each year due to a lack of homes.
Saves on costs: The cost of spaying is significantly less than the costs associated with caring for an entire litter or treating complications from pregnancy or reproductive diseases.
