Is Neutering Cats a Cruel Practice?

The sterilization of stray cats differs slightly in intent from that of pet cats. The aim of sterilizing stray cats is to prevent the proliferation of more unwanted lives on the streets, whereas for pet cats, it is primarily to ensure health and reduce the困扰 of behavioral issues.

Many people are still accustomed to calling sterilization "castration," but the term "castration" actually refers to the blocking of the release of eggs and sperm, while the organs remain within the body. This is quite different from the current surgical procedures for dogs and cats, so it is more appropriate to refer to this action as "sterilization."

What Problems Can Unsterilized Cats Face?

Heat Cycles

Cats are very common to go into heat during spring and autumn. A female cat's heat cycle can last from 3 to 7 days, and she will go into heat again every two weeks. Male cats are stimulated to go into heat by the female's hormones. During this time, cats are in a state of sexual excitement, which can lead to abnormal eating patterns, even complete refusal to eat, a very painful experience for them.

Straying

Cats are naturally good at finding their way around, but if they are in heat and unable to be satisfied, and if they have the chance to escape, they might wander off, losing their sense of direction. The way they disappear can be quite unexpected, and even if you try to keep your cat indoors, they might dart out the moment you open the door to get takeout.

Diseases

For male cats, the risk of not being sterilized is an increased likelihood of prostate diseases. For female cats, the list of potential illnesses is longer, including endometritis, ovarian cysts, breast tumors, and ovarian tumors. Therefore, sterilizing cats can reduce their chances of getting sick and potentially extend their lifespan.

How Many Unsterilized Stray Cats Can Breed Annually?

Those who truly understand cats know that a cat can have up to three litters a year, with each litter containing 4 to 5 kittens, sometimes as many as 7 or 8. conservatively estimated, an unsterilized pair of stray cats can produce over two million kittens in 8 years!

So, let's not say that sterilization is inhumane. Sterilization not only limits the number of cats bred but can also nearly double their lifespan. Unordered breeding of stray cats can lead to a lack of living space, with too many cats competing for food, which is also harmful to them. I believe that most cat lovers would prefer that every stray cat finds a loving owner for life, rather than being abandoned or mistreated!

Benefits of Sterilization

The greatest benefit of sterilization for both male and female cats is the reduction of diseases and an increase in lifespan. It can effectively prevent diseases such as testicular tumors, benign prostatic hyperplasia, urinary tract obstruction, ovarian cysts, and fibroids. Sterilizing cats reduces health risks and is beneficial for their wellbeing.

Each year, many cats are abandoned for various reasons, and some may have become stray cats because they wandered off during heat cycles. The vast majority of these stray cats will die tragically on the streets. The truly cruel aspect is the irresponsibility towards life, creating wave after wave of abandoned stray cats.

The Best Time for Pet Cats to Be Sterilized

Different veterinarians have different opinions, but the basic principle is that sterilization can be performed once the cat weighs 2kg. Previously, we thought that cats were most suitable for sterilization when they were 6 to 7 months old and weighed more than 2kg. However, with the improved diet of pet cats today, many start to go into heat as early as 4 months old, making age an imprecise indicator. The surgery time should still be determined based on the individual condition of the cat.

However, to ensure the safety of the anesthetic, reaching a weight of 2kg is the minimum requirement for surgery. Some cats may continue to spray urine even after sterilization, which is often due to habits formed from delaying the surgery too long. Therefore, it is best to arrange for sterilization surgery as soon as the cat starts to exhibit spraying behavior to prevent it from becoming a permanent habit (most cats improve after sterilization surgery).

Cats should not be left without homes, owners, or sterilization. Wandering the streets in cities, surrounded by wheels and garbage, is not what they aspire to. If you feel sorry for stray cats, remember to tell your friends that when keeping pets, they should be sterilized. Avoid letting cats roam freely or abandon them at home. Adoption is better than buying!