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Unlike dogs, it is virtually impossible to have your eye on your pet cat all of the time. Cats are very independent animals, choosing to explore their surroundings alone and it isn't fair to prevent them from carrying out this natural instinct. Likewise it isn't fair to let female cat that hasn't been spayed outside unsupervised, because you can almost guarantee that one day she will come back pregnant. There is a cat over-population problem in the USA today, and unfortunately many unwanted cats end up being destroyed because there are simply not enough homes for them. The only solution is to control the growing cat population by having as many cats neutered as possible.
The best time to have a female cat neutered is before she reaches sexual maturity, so it should be carried out at around five months old. This is because spaying a female cat in season carries a greater risk to the cat's life. However the operation can be done between cycles safely. A cat's season will last three days and happens every three weeks until she becomes pregnant or is neutered. There are additional benefits to having your cat neutered, other than preventing pregnancy. Firstly she will be less inclined to wander in search of a mate, which will reduce the risk of accidents (such as getting run over by a car). There is also less risk of contracting diseases. When female cats are in season they attract male cats to mate with them, and this leaves the cat susceptible to being infected with diseases such as Feline Aids. Finally she will not 'call', which is a yowling call that can go on for hours, as the cat attempts to attract males (often successfully).
The surgical procedure, like any operation, carries certain risks. However if your cat is healthy then the risks are minimal. The actual procedure for spaying a female cat involves an abdominal incision usually made into the left flank or occasionally the midline. Then the uterus, cervix and both ovaries are removed. The wound is repaired using sutures, which will dissolve on their own or sometimes require removal approximately ten days after the surgery. The actual operation takes around forty minutes, and you will be able to drop off and pick up your cat on the same day. There are rarely complications post-surgery, however you should observe your cat closely for any signs that there may be a problem such as lethargy, discharge from the surgical wound or a loss of appetite. If any of these signs are witnessed, you should contact a vet immediately.
The main concern for most owners is the cost, and it is true that neutering can be expensive. The average cost for the operation with aftercare is $150. However there are many ways to reduce this cost. If you have a low income often local charities will conduct the procedure for free or provide you with money towards the cost. There really isn't a good reason not to get your cat neutered!
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