Spaying and neutering helps dogs and cats live longer, healthier lives.
Spaying and neutering can eliminate or reduce the incidence of a number of health problems that can be very difficult or expensive to treat.
Spaying eliminates the possibility of uterine or ovarian cancer and greatly reduces the incidence of breast cancer, particularly when your pet is spayed before her first estrous cycle.
Neutering eliminates testicular cancer and decreases the incidence of prostate disease.
WHY Spaying or Neutering Is Good for You
Spaying and neutering makes pets better, more affectionate companions.
Neutering cats makes them less likely to spray and mark territory.
Spaying a dog or cat eliminates her heat cycle. Estrus lasts an average of six to 12 days, often twice a year, in dogs and an average of six to seven days, three or more times a year, in cats. Females in heat can cry incessantly, show nervous behavior, and attract unwanted male animals.
Unsterilized animals often exhibit more behavior and temperament problems than do those who have been spayed or neutered.
Spaying and neutering can make pets less aggressive & likely to bite.
Neutering makes pets less likely to roam the neighborhood, run away,
or get into fights.
WHY Spaying and Neutering Is Good for the Community
Communities spend millions of dollars to control unwanted animals.
Irresponsible breeding contributes to the problem of dog bites and attacks.
Animal shelters are overburdened with surplus animals.
Stray pets and homeless animals get into trash containers, defecate
in public areas or on private lawns, and frighten or anger people who have no understanding of their misery or needs.
Information reported by the Humane Society of the United States
"JADE" and "SHADOW" are two feral cats who reside at a managed, sterile colony in North Florida.
This colony is proof that Trap-Neuter-Return works! Since the last cat has been altered nearly two years ago, no new unaltered cats have joined this colony, and one cat (see below) is now a tame house pet. The property owners provide food and shelter, while other caretakers assist with daily feeding duties and covering medical expenses when the cats need medical attention. The cats are healthy & well-fed, and are therefore not a nuisance to their neighbors. At one time, before the colony was sterilized, there were nearly 30 cats here. Today, there are only about a dozen sterile cats.
Last year, one of the adult cats named TEENAGER (shown above) got extremely sick with calicivirus. Because one of the feeders had developed a trusting relationship with Teenager over time, she was able to pet him, and was able to catch him when she realized he was sick and not eating. She brought him into her spare bathroom where he had to be force fed and medicated for several weeks. For a while, it was touch and go. The vet was not sure if he would survive. But his will to live was strong!
After numerous trips to the vet, Teenager made a remarkable recovery. While the majority of adult feral cats cannot be re-domesticated or tamed to the point of being adoptable, Teenager proved to be the exception to that rule. He has gone from feral cat to lap cat. Instead of being released back to his colony, he now resides with his caretaker as an indoor-only cat and, as you can see above, Teenager has adjusted to his new lifestyle QUITE well!