| Why should I neuter my cat? |
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| Cat advice - Kitten advice | |
 In five years, one unneutered female cat can be responsible for 20,000 descendants. A female cat can start to reproduce from six months old and have up to three litters a year with five or six kittens per litter. Male cats are fertile as early as six months old and each can impregnate hundreds of female cats every year. Unless you plan to breed from a pedigree cat, then it is essential to have your cat neutered at an early age to prevent further breeding. Many owners say they would like to let her have just one litter for their family pet. They often have homes lined up for the kittens and therefore they justify to themselves that they have done the right thing. The flaw in this argument is that you are denying good homes to kittens and cats already born. Neutering is a simple, straightforward procedure with very little risk to your cat. A neutered cat is healthier, happier and more affectionate and will certainly have a longer life. For females, this also reduces the tendency to develop mammary tumours and stops her calling and wailing every time she comes into season. It also prevents attracting tomcats to your home. 
With males, castration stops him roaming and getting hit by a car. It also stops fighting and picking up (FIV) feline aids virus or feline leukaemia. It also stops him spraying in your house. There are no undesirable side effects of neutering or spaying and neutered cats do not become fat, idle and lazy. The positive benefits are that neutered cats, both male or female are content and healthier, more contentedly home-loving and do not have the tendency to fight. Neutering costs can start at around £15-17 and if you are on a low income, you may qualify for a voucher scheme which contributes towards the bill and these are available all year round. Contact the Cats Protection League at www.cats.org.uk for more information.
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