Neuter or Spay

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To Spay Or Not To Spay (or Neuter) Your Persian

One of the decisions you have to make as a new Persian Cat Parent – is whether or not to spay or neuter your newest family member when the time is right. But when is that time? Why is it a good idea to spay or neuter – or is it? How old does he or she have to be? What are the health benefits, if any? Is it safe – what are the risks? If you have been asking yourself any of these questions – we will try to address them all right here in one place!

Why Spay or Neuter Your Persian?

First, let’s define what exactly it means to spay or neuter your cat. Spay simply means to remove the female feline’s reproductive organs to prevent her from having a litter. This usually involves surgically removing the uterus and ovaries. Neutering a male involves surgical removal of his testicles to prevent him from fathering a litter. For sake of concise writing, from here on out – spay and neuter will be used interchangeably with “fixed.” Now, with those technical medical definitions out of the way – let’s talk about why some people choose to fix their cats.

It seems like almost daily you hear or watch news stories in which thousands of unwanted companion cats (and dogs too, for that matter) are euthanized because there aren’t enough volunteers to go around to give them a loving home.

Females that are not spayed and have not been mated will come into heat every two or three weeks until she is mated – which can make her life – an yours miserable. She may roll around and rub on you (yuck!), yowl pitifully waiting for a mate and even possibly spray urine throughout the house. She also may try to dart out every time the door is opened!

A male cat who remains un-neutered also is very persistent to get out and roam around looking for a mate, and he too will yowl and probably spray urine. Un-neutered males also have a desire to fight with other males to mark out their territory. On the other hand neutered males tend to be more affectionate and neutering reduces the strong urine smell.

How is My Persian “Fixed” and What Age Should He or She Be?

Cats are fixed through a simple surgical procedure. Males are castrated – which simply means the testicles are surgically removed through the scrotal sac which soon will shrivel up and disappear.
Female cats have their ovaries and uterus removed through a small incision in the abdomen, and this surgery is slightly more invasive – but safe.

Ask your veterinarian if you are unsure about a good age to have your pet fixed. Some vets do it as young as 3 months, while others prefer to wait until the feline is more sexually mature – somewhere between the 6 – 10 month stage.

What are the Health Benefits and Risks of Spaying or Neutering Persian Cats?

As with any surgery there is always a slight risk, but generally spaying and neutering is a common and safe procedure.

The benefits for spaying females not only reduces unwanted litters, but may include reduction in mammary cancer, and fatal infections of the uterus. For males neutering reduces prostrate problems, large jowls, and decreases his urge to be aggressive and roam the neighborhood and fight.

For most Persian owners, getting your cat spayed or neutered may be the kindest and best choice for your pet – chances are he or she will live a longer and healthier life.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]