SPAYING AND NEUTERING MYTHS DEBUNKED

Here’s a math problem for you: When do two cats equal 12,000 cats?

Answer: When those cats are not spayed or neutered.

That’s right. In just five years, a female cat and her mate can set off a chain reaction that produces nearly 12,000 cats. By year eight, those two cats could have more than 2 million decedents. And unfortunately, many of these kitties would end up homeless and suffering. The good news is we have the power to do something about it. The solution is spaying and neutering.

We know there is misinformation out there about spaying and neutering, soeep reading to learn the facts about spaying and neutering.

MYTH: MY INDOOR CATS ARE SPAYED, BUT THERE IS NOTHING I CAN DO ABOUT THE OUTDOOR CATS IN MY COMMUNITY.

There is a trap and release group in Haywood County called Lend Us Your Ear (828-550-3662). If you have feral/strays cats in your community who are not ear-tipped, please call Lend Us Your Ear. The demand is great and this is a volunteer organization, but they will help as soon as they can. You can also donate to this organization to help them in their mission to reduce the homeless kitty population.

MYTH: I SHOULD WAIT UNTIL AFTER MY FEMALE CAT HAS HAD ONE LITTER.

Medical/scientific evidence shows that early spaying (before a kitty’s first heat) can help improve a kitty’s health. It significantly reduces the risk of many times of cancers in both males and females.

MYTH: MY CATS ARE JUST KITTENS. I HAVE PLENTY OF TIME.

Kitties can reach sexual maturity by the time they are 4 months old. That means your kitten could wind up having kittens! Many vets will safely spay kittens as young as 8 weeks old to prevent the first cycle of going in heat.

MYTH: I KEEP MY CATS INDOORS. THEY DON’T NEED TO BE ALTERED.

Every single day, we at FUR hear stories about indoor-only cats who accidentally get out of the house — and unaltered kitties can be quite resourceful when they are in heat. An unspayed female could return home pregnant. An unneutered male may end up fathering litters you know nothing about. In addition, if you have an unaltered male and female in your house — even if they are siblings — chances are good you’ll end up with grandkittens. Cats don’t really care about familial relationships.

MYTH: SPAYING AND NEUTERING ARE UNHEALTHY

Neutering can ward off testicular cancer and prostate issues. Spaying can prevent uterine tract infections and breast, ovarian and uterine cancer. Altering your kitty is a great way to help them stay healthier and live longer.

MYTH: SPAYING OR NEUTERING WILL CAUSE WEIGHT GAIN.

Just like in humans, kitty weight gain is caused by consuming more calories than are burned. Keep your furry friend on a healthy eating schedule and give him or her plenty of play time and exercise, and she or he will stay at a healthy weight.

MYTH: SPAYING AND NEUTERING ARE PAINFUL.

These procedures are performed under anesthesia, so the kitties don’t feel anything. While they may be uncomfortable following surgery, most kitties are back to their normal antics within 1 – 3 days.

MYTH: SPAYING AND NEUTERING ARE EXPENSIVE

There are low cost spay and neuter options near you. Haywood Spay/Neuter (828-452-1329) offers low cost services for those who qualify through the ASPCA Spay/Neuter Alliance. In Buncombe County, Brother Wolf’s Mobile Clinic can be a great option as well. Finally, not all vets price these services the same. Call around to reputable vets in your area and shop to get the best price.

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