Spay and Neuter FAQ

“Spay” and “neuter” refer to surgical operations that prevent your pet from reproducing by removing your pet’s reproductive organs. Spaying is the surgical removal of a female’s ovaries and uterus. Neutering is the surgical removal of a male’s testes. Both of these procedures are routinely performed by our London ON veterinarian.

General Benefits (Both Neutering and Spaying):

• Population control: Prevents unwanted litters and reduces the number of homeless cats.
• Improved behavior: Reduces aggressive behaviors and roaming tendencies in both males and females.
• Prevention of certain cancers: Lowers the risk of reproductive cancers, such as ovarian, uterine, and testicular cancer.
• Decreases disease transmission: Reduces the spread of Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) and Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV).
• Longer life expectancy: Cats often live longer, healthier lives after spaying/neutering.

Specific Benefits of Neutering (Males):

• Reduces spraying: Lessens the likelihood of urine marking to claim territory.
• Decreases fighting and aggression: Neutered males are less likely to engage in fights with other cats.
• Prevents testicular diseases: Eliminates the risk of testicular cancer and lowers the chances of prostate issues.

Specific Benefits of Spaying (Females):

• Stops heat cycles: Prevents behaviors associated with females in heat, such as yowling and attracting male cats.
• Prevents uterine infections (pyometra): Spaying removes the risk of this life-threatening condition.
• Lowers risk of breast cancer: Spaying before the first heat cycle significantly reduces the chance of mammary tumors.

These benefits promote both individual cat health and overall community well-being.

Spaying and neutering pets helps to reduce the unwanted animal population. Every year, millions of unwanted dogs and cats are placed in animal shelters, leading to overcrowding. Sadly, it is not always possible for shelters to find these animals homes. Consequently, many of these animals, including the descendants of purebred pets, must be put to sleep. Spaying and neutering stops the animal population from growing even larger, which helps to stop shelter over-crowding and give shelter animals an increased chance for adoption.

Our London ON veterinarian generally recommends spaying or neutering pets before they reach sexual maturity, which typically occurs between five and six months of age.

Pets only become fat or lazy if they are overfed and not exercised. Spaying or neutering your pet will not cause him or her to gain weight or detrimentally affect his or her playful personality.

Yes, we can still spay dogs and cats after they have a litter. Spaying should occur as soon as the kittens or puppies are weaned, typically at four to five weeks for puppies and five to six weeks for kittens.