Cats

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Desexing

Every year staff at Lort Smith euthanizes thousands of cats and kittens. While some are ill the majority of cases are euthanased simply because no one wants them. Other unwanted cats and kittens die on the road and are dumped in boxes and garbage bags. Some survive to go on to prey on our native animals. Cats are marvellous hunters and are now thought to be the biggest threat to some of our endangered species after loss of habitat. Allowing your cat to breed only adds to these problems.

Females

In 7 years a female cat and her young can produce 265, 686 offspring. There is no benefit to your cat to allow her to have a litter. It does not make her more placid or a happier cat. Breeding only adds to the unwanted cat population.

The spay operation involves removing the entire uterus (womb) and both ovaries via an abdominal incision. This procedure can be performed from 8 weeks of age, while the cat is in season or while she is pregnant.

Advantages of spaying include:

• No unwanted kittens to find homes for.
• No disturbing behaviour associated with heat. This includes howling, trying to escape and restlessness. (We often have panicked owners ring us saying they think their cat has broken her back, however she is only in heat.)
• No smelly, noisy, tomcats hanging around.
• Avoids diseases of the reproductive tract and mammary glands.
• Entire female cats are more aggressive and are more likely to fight. Fighting spreads feline aids.

Males

Male cats can be neutered (castrated) from eight weeks of age. Castration will not ruin your cat's personality. Castrated males are usually friendly and are less likely to roam.

Advantages:

• Castrated males are far less likely to spray and the smell of the urine is greatly decreased.
• Castrated males don't go out looking to mate and therefore are less likely to be run over by a car or attacked by a dog.
• Fighting spreads Feline aids and a castrated cat is less likely to go out fighting.
• Prevents your cat from yowling all night keeping you and your neighbours awake.

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