Breeding season, especially for cats, begins in February. Before we know it the results will be seen at the Lee County Humane Society in the form of hundreds of kittens and puppies. You can help reduce these numbers by advocating the spaying and neutering of companion animals.
Here are the reasons the Humane Society of the United States gives for having your pet sterilized (spayed or neutered):
Spaying or Neutering Is Good for Your Pet
- Spaying and neutering helps dogs and cats live longer, healthier lives.
- Spaying and neutering can eliminate or reduce the incidence of a number of health problems that can be very difficult or expensive to treat.
- Spaying eliminates the possibility of uterine or ovarian cancer and greatly reduces the incidence of breast cancer, particularly when your pet is spayed before her first estrous cycle.
- Neutering eliminates testicular cancer and decreases the incidence of prostate disease.
Spaying or Neutering Is Good for You
- Spaying and neutering makes pets better, more affectionate companions.
- Neutering cats makes them less likely to spray and mark territory.
- Spaying a dog or cat eliminates her heat cycle. Estrus lasts an average of six to 12 days, often twice a year, in dogs and an average of six to seven days, three or more times a year, in cats. Females in heat can cry incessantly, show nervous behavior, and attract unwanted male animals.
- Unsterilized animals often exhibit more behavior and temperament problems than do those who have been spayed or neutered.
- Spaying and neutering can make pets less likely to bite.
- Neutering makes pets less likely to roam the neighborhood, run away, or get into fights.
Spaying and Neutering Are Good for the Community
- Communities spend millions of dollars to control unwanted animals.
- Irresponsible breeding contributes to the problem of dog bites and attacks.
- Animal shelters are overburdened with surplus animals.
- Stray pets and homeless animals get into trash containers, defecate in public areas or on private lawns, and frighten or anger people who have no understanding of their misery or needs.
- Some stray animals also scare away or kill birds and wildlife.
Spay or neuter surgery carries a one-time cost that is relatively small when we consider the benefits. It's a small price to pay for the health of your pet and the prevention of more unwanted animals.
Now is a great time to have your pet spayed or neutered. If you have any questions we encourage you to talk with your veterinarian. And don’t forget to put a collar and identification tags on your pets. That includes a rabies tag.
The Humane Society Weekly Wish: Dry cat or dog food would be great please.
Jack Fisher
Board of Directors
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