Spaying and Neutering

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Many people don’t spay or neuter their pets, especially cats. There are a lot of benefits and yet according to The Humane Society of the United States, six to eight million cats enter the shelters each year and while three to four million are adopted out, another three to four million are killed. “An unsprayed female cats, her mate and all of their offspring producing just 2 litters per year (the average is 3-4), with just 2.8 surviving kittens per litter can total to 66,088 cats in just 6 years” (Goldstein & O’Keefe 4).

SpayUSA says that the benefits of spaying include no heat cycles, less desire to roam, risk of mammary gland tumors, ovarian and/or uterine cancer is reduced or eliminated, especially if done before the first heat cycle, reduces the number of unwanted cats, and helps cats live longer, healthier lives. Not only are many health issues reduced, but the overpopulation decreases dramatically. Those 66,088 cats are reduced even if only by a little bit. SpayUSA also says that the benefits of neutering reduces or eliminates risk of spraying, less desire to roam, therefore less likely to be injured in fights or auto accidents, risk of testicular cancer is eliminated, and decreases incidence of prostate disease, reduces the number or unwanted cats, decreases aggressive behavior, and helps cats live longer, healthier lives. This means less homeless cats walk around injured or lay dead on the side of the road. In short, if people fixed their cats, many problems could be greatly reduced.

Additionally, there are other reasons to spay and neuter. “It helps to reduce companion animal overpopulation. Most countries have a surplus of companion animals and are forced to euthanize or disregard their great suffering. The surplus ...

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"Benefits of Spay/Neuter For Cats and Dogs." Spay USA. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Feb 2012. .

Goldstein, Laurie D., and Christine O. "The Need for Low-Cost Spay-Neuter Programs." Stray Pet Advocacy. (2003): 1-17. Web. 29 Feb 2012. .

"The Many Differences between Feral and Tame Cats."

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