Five Common Myths About Spaying and Neutering

There are many misconceptions about spaying and neutering. Here are five of the most common myths—and the facts behind them.

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Myth #1: Only Female Cats Need to Be Spayed

Fact: Both male and female cats should be sterilized.

Preventing unwanted litters is a shared responsibility. An unneutered male cat can easily mate with an unspayed female, whether she is a family pet or a community cat. Neutering male cats helps prevent unplanned litters and reduces the number of homeless cats in our communities.

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Myth #2: Neutering Will Change My Cat's Personality

Fact: Neutering does not change your cat's unique personality.

Male hormones can contribute to behaviours such as roaming, urine spraying, fighting, and territorial aggression. Neutering often reduces these behaviours while allowing your cat's affectionate, playful, and individual personality to remain the same.

Many neutered cats are calmer, more sociable, and less likely to roam or become injured in fights with other cats.

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Myth #3: Spayed or Neutered Cats Become Fat and Lazy

Fact: Weight gain is caused by overeating and lack of exercise—not by spaying or neutering.

After surgery, your cat's calorie needs may change slightly, but maintaining a healthy weight is simply a matter of providing the right amount of food and regular play and exercise.

Spayed and neutered cats often live longer, healthier lives because they have a lower risk of reproductive diseases, infections, and certain cancers.

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Myth #4: A Female Cat Should Have One Litter Before Being Spayed

Fact: There is no medical or behavioural benefit to allowing a cat to have a litter before being spayed.

In fact, spaying before the first heat cycle provides the greatest protection against mammary (breast) cancer and completely eliminates the risk of uterine infections and unwanted pregnancies.

Pregnancy, birth, and raising kittens can also place significant physical, emotional, and financial demands on both the cat and her caregiver.

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Myth #5: Children Need to Witness a Litter Being Born

Fact: Children can learn about birth and animal care without breeding a family pet.

There are many excellent books, educational videos, and other resources that teach children about reproduction and the life cycle of animals.

One of the most valuable lessons we can teach children is responsible pet ownership—preventing unwanted litters, caring for animals with compassion, and helping reduce pet overpopulation through spaying and neutering.

By choosing to spay or neuter your cat, you are helping your pet live a healthier life while reducing the number of homeless and abandoned cats in our communities.

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Adapted from information provided by the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies.