Why Should My Pet Be Altered?

Unless a kitten/cat has been purchased for the purpose of breeding, most breeders require the kitten/cat to be neutered/spayed by a specific age or date.

     1) One very important reason is the kitty's health. Unaltered cats usually live a shorter life. Unaltered males are prone to prostrate cancer as they age. Unspayed females quite often develope uterine infectines unless they are bred. Uterine infections can lead to pyometra, which is deadly. They are also prone to develope breast and uterine cancers.

     2) Another concern is for the kitten/cat to be a happy, well adjusted pet. Unaltered males develope the undesirable habit of spraying urine to mark his territory and to attract mates. Unspayed females will howl and some will also mark their territories with urine to attract mates also.

Neuturing/spaying the kitty by the age of 6 to 9 months of age, will normally prevent the development of these undesireable behaviors. (6-9 mos. for Persian & Himalayan cats - other breeds may mature younger. Your breeder knows what is the best age for their individual breeds). Adult cats should be altered within 2 weeks of moving to a new home or by being altered prior to leaving the breeder's home.

Studies have proven that cats live longer, healthier lives if neutered or spayed as young as possible.