Cats-To Neuter Or Not?

For most Cat owners whom are not breeders, the prospect of having litters of kittens is not something one looks forward to. First of all, you will get too attached. Than you will need to find good homes which is harder than one thinks and once you get that litter homes, your cat is starting on her next litter and it just keeps going on until you decide to do something about the real problem.

Did you know that United States has the most cats in the world? An estimated 76,430,000. China is next with 53,100,000 and than Russia at 12,700,000. Cats are a very big industry in the USA with 1000s of products available! But how many of these are wanted and have loving homes? How many are abandoned each year?  How many are killed?
The estimates are millions. So many that most will be euthanised and this is very distrubing for us cat lovers.

Cats are very good breeders. Female cats can have 3 litters of kittens per year with an average of 4 kittens per litter. That is 12 kittens in one year. The Queen will continue year after year having litters, and her offspring will also become sexually engaged with their own litters. Hence, the potential number of offspring from this one female is enormous.  The record is one female giving birth to 19.  Another female gave birth to over 450 kittens during her "motherhood" years.  That is just too many cats! 

Neutering is recommended as the only solution to the world's overpopulation of pets. It is the most effective way to prevent unwanted pregnancies and is done by majority of responsible pet owners whom can afford the cost and/or animal shelters when kittens are old enough or new stray cats are brought in. For those that cannot afford to neuter, there are sometimes free clinics or financial assistance provided. The main goal is to reduce the cat population.

As well, there are several other good reasons to neuter a cat, it makes for a better overall pet as it can prevents spraying and wandering if let outdoors which can lead to the Cat becoming injured or lost. Neutering will extends the cat's lifespan by an estimated two to three years.

Neutering is best done outside of the breeding season such as late fall or over the winter. It will require a trip to the Vet Clinic and will be performed under anesthetic. The best age to castrate males is when they are about 5 months old, when the blood flows to the testes is still light, reducing the risk of pain and post-operative complications. The best age to spay females is when they are about 4 1/2 months old and definately before they become sexually mature.

Those opposing neutering indicate that a cat still has a right to enjoy sex and vasectomies and tying of the tubes should be performed instead. Some advocate birth control pills, however, there is still costs. Giving pills to cats hardly ever go well. Keeping the cats indoor during periods of sexual activity is equally difficult particularly if this cat is use to the outdoors. Somehow, smart females and eager Toms always have a way of getting together. A morning after shot can be given if you think or catch the act being done, but it is not the long term solution.

Neutering will cost so it is recommended that you phone several clinic to get an estimate for costs. Male castration is cheaper than female spaying and is sometimes taken into consideration when first choosing a pet. In some places, mass neutering clinics are available at reasonable cost, particularly for those with many cats or those catching semi-feral cats. Some of these clinics will request a small donation.

Kittens are beautiful and a wonder to behold, however, the thoughts of so many having short, hungry, painful lives is reason in itself to ensure that we start to reduce the "unwanted" by taking action with our own pets. Adopt rather than breed.  Promote neutering and spaying.  Become an advocate for humane treatment of Pets.  Stay informed regarding care, health and general information regarding your pets.
   
There is a on going cost to pet ownership,  hence, one must take these costs into consideration when raising pets and deciding whether to allow your pets to breed.  

What To Consider When Selecting A Cat Or Kitten

Cats are often considered the most purrfect pet of all. Many people want a feline companion that will greet them with a purr, cuddle around their feet and warm their laps. A companion, whom will give you space yet be faithfully there for you. Here are a few things that you need to consider such as the care, breeding, gender, age, temperament and health before you bring this ball of fur home.

Pedigree or Non pedigree Cat?
If you are interested in choosing a cat for companionship only, than it really does not matter and a non pedigree (without registration papers or purebred)maybe the ideal choice as the selection is unlimited and the cost less than pedigree cats. However, if you are interested in showing or breeding, than you will need do invest in a Purebred with papers. Registered Cats and Kittens can be expensive such as the Beautiful Ragdoll Cat shown above, however, if not showing, you sometimes are able to purchase cats which have flaws that would not be acceptable in the show ring but perfectly fine for breeding purposes.

Where to Get Your Cat?
If you have decided to obtain a pedigree cat, than you need to select a breeder specializing in your chosen breed. Otherwise, animal shelters, classified ads in papers or online, pet shops or other cat owners are great places of find "moggie (mongrels)or alley cat". Unfortunately, there are more cats and kittens than there are caring homes so you should have no problem finding that purrfect pet.

Male or Female Cat?
Either sex makes very good companions, but there are certain habits associated with each gender. An unneutered tom (male) will spray and fight more than a neutered male. A female that is not spayed, will have periods of estrus (heat cycle) and possible unwanted pregnancies if toms are available. Neutered cats generally are more affectionate and do not contribute to the over population of felines. Therefore, you must consider cost, to neuter a male is cheaper than having a female spayed. If it is a concern, call a Veterinary clinic for an estimate or choose a cat or kitten that has already been fixed. Some shelters do offer discounts on vaccinations, neutering in their adoption costs.

Kitten or Adult Cat?
Kittens can demand lots of attentions and need to be trained, but they adapt better than adults to new homes and can be so cute and provide so much entertainment while growing up. They can also be a little bit destructive. Depending on the age of the kitten, training to kitty litter may already be done and that is often the number one training issue. Older cats do adjust with love and attention. Just keep the cat in and not allow outdoors while you are bonding, as the cat may wander away.
Take it slow, gradually introduce to the outdoors if indeed you do intend to let them out.

Is The Kitten or Cat Healthy?
You will need to budget for a trip to the Veterinarian for an examination, possible vaccinations, worming, neutering etc. Sometimes, shelters, pet stores and breeders have already taken care of some of the health costs and than this should be disclosed and/or a Certificate of Health offered with the pet. Observe the kitten or cat. Notice his coat, eyes, ears, noes. If bright, shiny, no discharge, seems alert, friendly and willing to be handled, you probably have a good candidate to take home.

Once you have made your selection, you will need to prepare for the new addition, particularly if you don't have existing animals. A trip to the store for such necessary items as kitty litter, litter tray and food suited for the cat or kitten you are purchasing. Of course, toys, cat dishes, accessories and pet products will encourage you to spend a little more to ensure that your new pet is happy and comfortable in new surroundings.

If you have other cats, dogs in the household you will need to introduce and let them establish their territories and relationship. As always, knowledge of cat behaviors, care and health is highly recommended. An excellent resource is the down loadable ebook called "Solutions To Cat Behavior Problems" which gives you instant advice and information on almost every possible problem or concern that you may have with your new companion.