The average cat breed takes an average of 4 months to reach sexual maturity. As a cat owner, you may not want to have any extra little kittens running around if they sneak out and mate with another, or you may just want to reduce aggressiveness and hormone levels in your little friend. Neutering a cat will reduce such risks and provide various benefits.
Cost of Neutering a Cat
On average, it costs £30-£80 to neuter a male cat whereas the cost of spaying a female is £50-£100.
Neutering a cat is a procedure in which a male cat is castrated by having its testes removed. The process of neutering female cats is referred to as spaying. It involves the removal of the cat’s ovaries and uterus.
This process was previously conducted when cats were around six months of age, but it’s now being recommended for cats around four months old. Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA), together with Cats Protection, offer a cat neutering scheme across Wales and the West Midlands.
If you’re eligible for it, your cat can be microchipped and neutered for just £5. Outside of this, the cost will depend on your location and the vet you visit.
Adding a microchip will cost you an additional £10. Some charities such as Blue Cross, Cats Protection, and PDSA PetAid offer cat neutering services for free or at a subsidized price.
Why You Should Neuter Your Cat
Neutering your cat has two main advantages: reducing the risk of the cat contracting some diseases, and curbing the behaviours associated with sexual maturity. The following are some of the benefits of neutering a cat:
- Nuisance control – There’s usually a lot of calling and fighting when cats are looking for mates. Neutering a cat will reduce the noise and fights that can occur when a female cat is calling for males. Unneutered male cats usually spray areas to mark their territory, leaving a pungent smell.
- Population control – It’s best to have litters of kittens that can be cared for together. A growing population with no one to care for them could cause welfare issues. They would also be prone to getting infections. Female cats should be neutered before they have kittens.
- Safety issues – If cats have kittens and they are not being fed well, they’ll most likely wander off to hunt. Neutering cats can reduce the chances of cats going to hunt for some wildlife, thus potentially saving a life!
- Health issues – Infections of the womb (pyometra) are a common occurrence in female cats that have not been neutered. Mammary tumours are another common issue for female cats in later life. There are also the risks associated with pregnancy and birth as well as the risk of infections being passed on to kittens.
If you have had a hard time controlling your cat’s behaviour, or if you want to control the number of kittens that you have to care for, neutering your cat is a must. We hope that with this information at hand, you will find the best option that will suit your cat and your budget.
