Pros, Cons and Best Timing of Spaying or Neutering Cats and Dogs

1 Overview

Benefits of spay/neuter:

Behavior first:

1. Avoids fights over mates that leave both hurt.

2. Some pets elope for a lover and vanish – heartbreaking after years.

3. Unsatisfied pets destroy furniture, bark, mood-swing, bully small animals or even bother people.

4. Some pine for a lover and stop eating, worrying the owner needlessly.

5. Cats in heat yowl like a baby, disturbing the home.

6. Heat makes cats spray smelly urine to attract mates, polluting the home.

Medically, neutering greatly cuts sex-hormone diseases: male prostate enlargement and testicular tumors; female mammary tumors and pyometra.

Drawbacks:

Weight may rise after neutering; control diet to avoid obesity. Cats and dogs may sulk or act out short-term; more company and comfort help.

Best timing:

Before the first heat, at 6 months for small dogs and cats. A pregnant dog can be spayed after whelping.

The animal is in good shape then, recovers fast, needs less anesthetic, less self-harm and less cost.

That covers spay/neuter pros, cons and timing. Always use a professional clinic to avoid surgical or post-op risks; see a vet promptly for bad signs.