Spay and Neuter

The Importance of Spaying and Neutering

Loving pet owners understand that our furry friends are part of our family. They bring us love and joy and endless entertainment—just look at the dazzling wealth of cat videos on the internet. We love our pets and understand their potential and want to do what’s best for them. That includes things like buying healthy food and spaying or neutering our pets. Today, let’s look at spaying and neutering and why those procedures are so important.

Spay vs. Neuter

Spaying and neutering refer to surgical procedures that sterilize animals, making them unable to reproduce. The procedures are safe and routine, and most pets recover quickly. The difference between spaying and neutering has to do with the sex of the animal being sterilized.

What Is Spaying?

Spaying is a surgical procedure that involves removing a female animal's reproductive organs, including the ovaries and uterus, to prevent them from reproducing. It is also known as an ovariohysterectomy. The procedure is typically performed by a licensed veterinarian under general anesthesia and is considered a routine surgery.

What Is Neutering?

Neutering, or castration, is a surgical procedure that involves removing a male animal's testicles to prevent them from reproducing. Like spaying, this procedure is typically performed by a licensed veterinarian under general anesthesia and is considered a routine surgery.

The Importance of Spaying and Neutering

Sterilization is considered a routine surgery because of its significant impact on animal welfare. The benefits of spaying and neutering include controlling the pet population, preventing certain diseases, and reducing behavioral problems. Preventing pet overpopulation is one of the most significant benefits. Each year, millions of unwanted shelter animals are euthanized. Controlling the pet population combats this tragedy. By spaying and neutering, owners can prevent their pets from contributing to the problem.

Additionally, spaying and neutering can help with health risks for cats and dogs. Sterilization can prevent certain types of cancers, such as testicular, ovarian, and uterine cancers. Behavioral health is also impacted. Issues such as aggression and roaming can be reduced by spaying and neutering, and sterilization can help reduce problematic behavior and make pets more manageable.

When To Spay or Neuter

Spaying and neutering should only be performed by licensed veterinarians. In general, spaying or neutering is recommended when the animal is between six and nine months of age. However, these procedures can be performed on pets at any age, even on adult animals. Pet owners should consult with their veterinarians to determine the best time to spay or neuter their pet based on factors such as breed, age, and health.

We wanted to reiterate the importance of spaying and neutering your cat, we cannot stress the importance of spaying and neutering enough. Did you know that spaying and neutering helps cats live longer, healthier lives while contributing to reducing the homeless pet population? Spaying and neutering can eliminate or reduce a number of health problems that can be very difficult or expensive to treat.

An unaltered female cat can become pregnant as early as four months old—when she is still a kitten herself! A kitten can be spayed or neutered when they reach two pounds in body weight, which is typically at eight weeks old.  In addition, a cat is never too old to be spayed or neutered. If your cat is more than seven years old, it is recommended that you take your cat to your veterinarian to have blood tests done before surgery to determine if his or her liver and kidneys are working properly.

While kittens are seen as “cute,” the heartbreaking reality is many unwanted kittens end up in feral colonies, or suffer worse fates—shelters across the country are forced to euthanize many adoptable cats each year due to overcrowding. Many of these kittens were the result of unwanted and unplanned litters, but by spaying or neutering your pet, you are doing your part to bring an end to the pet overpopulation problem.

How Can You Help Elbra's Dream?

Donate:

100% of our funds are spent on medical expenses, pet food and supplies. You can check out our Amazon wish list:  Amazon.com and Chewy wish list:  Elbra's Dream | Chewy  for an up-to-date list of items we need most.  If you would like to donate items in person, please email us at tammy@elbrasdream.com.  Of course, monetary donations are also greatly appreciated. Donate at the link below.

Donate Here (elbrasdream.com)

Spay or Neuter Your Cat or Dog:

Please help us end the heartbreaking cycle and spay or neuter your cat and or dog! If you are worried about the cost of spaying or neutering your cat, there are options:

PetSmart Charities also has a useful low-cost clinic locator service.  Petsmart and Clinic Locator | PetSmart Charities

Peoples for Animals in Robbinsville: Schedule Appointment at Robbinsville Clinic - People For Animals (pfaonline.org)

Trenton Cats Rescue: Trenton Cats Rescue – Humane Solutions for Trenton's Cats phone: 857-228-8696

Bordentown Animal Shelter: Help Surrendering and Rehoming – Friends of the Burlington County Animal Shelter (friendsofbcas.org)

  Friends of BCAS

3111 Route 38, Suite 11 #238

Elbra's Dream: tammy@elbrasdream.com