desexing cats

Not all cats need to be de-sexed. But if you do get your cat fixed the you want to do it about six monthes or so.

Not on principle. There are some well known post operative problems with the procedures. Fully agree with the comments about the horrendous cat abuse, neglect and cat orphanages springing up all over the world, but that's our doing, not theirs. So are the domestic and environmental arrangements for cats. There's also an environmental issue affecting this topic, and I don't know the answer. Just bear with a bit of a description here: Spaying and neutering became a common practice forty years ago, in a different environment to today’s urban/suburban mix. Since then, things have changed, and not for the better, as far as domestic cats are concerned. Globally the domestic cat is a pretty tough species. They are by nature super efficient predators, and there are huge feral populations all over the world. Domestic cats are a very small part of the equation. Meaning for those of us in big cities, the feral cats do most of the vermin control. That's how many of them there are. I can tell you for personal experience these cats are really hard cases. Forty or so years ago, ferals weren’t part of the daily reality of the cities and suburbs. Now, they’re everywhere, and they’re particularly dangerous to domestic cats. They also tend to routinely tear soft-living domestic cats to pieces. Spayed and neutered cats don't have a chance against them; they don't have the hormones. Many cat lovers will have seen what even a minor encounter with a feral can do to a domestic. Statistically, as well as environmentally, it’s just not going to work as an environmental control on cats. Spaying and neutering would only affect a small percentage of the total cat population. To put them at risk for the sake of a bit of behavioral convenience and some cleaner carpets seems to me to be a bit of a luxury. Especially when it doesn't solve the problem of cat numbers, even in theory. Add to this the problems of obesity, neurosis, and behavioral abnormalities associated with the procedures, and I really don't think spaying and neutering is the answer. There are whole case histories of cats whose problems started with neutering. I think we need a method of contraception that doesn’t turn cats into a cushion and upset their hormones to that extent, both for their sakes and ours. Have to say that I also think it’s a real shame that some highly intelligent and loving cats are desexed. Seems a terrible waste.

Yes, I am a strong supporter of spaying and neutering all pets especially cats. Shelters here in Toronto are filled to capacity with unwanted cats and it is a very sad situation. As for ages I believe vets usually recommend the procedure at 6 months of age, but I would consult with a veternarian at the first set of needles and see what he or she says on the matter. Cheers!

Yes, all cats should be de-sexed. They live longer that way and have better behavior. It makes them not want to roam as much so it's easier to find them if they get outside. It also makes male cats not want to pee in the house as much. It also completely prevents most reproductive cancers. You can do it as soon as your cat weighs at least about 2lbs, but can wait up to until around 5-6 months old.