As a responsible pet owner, one of the most important things you can do is have your cat spayed or neutered. It’s an easy and safe process and has many benefits for both your cat and you. And if you’re struggling to afford the cost of spaying/neutering, there are organizations that can help.
What is spaying and neutering?
Spaying and neutering are humane surgical procedures performed by veterinarians and involve the safe removal of reproductive organs. For female animals, this means the removal of the uterus and ovaries, and for male animals, the removal of the testicles.
Why is spaying/neutering important?
Animal rescue organizations and shelters across the Lower Mainland are constantly overwhelmed with the number of cats and kittens who need a home. In 2020, SurreyCats and its partners rescued nearly 600 cats from the streets of Surrey. Every time a litter is born, it lowers the chance that other cats will be adopted because competition for homes increases. Kittens who aren’t adopted grow up to be homeless adult cats suffering on the streets or brought into shelters and killed.
Spaying/neutering is the best way to reduce the number of kittens and cats competing for homes. It reduces the number of of homeless and feral cats and prevents unwanted litters of owned cats. Lives are saved through prevention.
Spaying/neutering also provides benefits for your cat and to you, such as:
Neutered males are better behaved and less territorial, which eliminates spraying.
Spayed females will no longer go into heat, which eliminates yowling.
Reduced risk of disease (such as cancer) and infection in both males and females.
Eliminates the financial burden you might face from caring for an entire litter.
When should I have my cat spayed/neutered?
SurreyCats recommends that you have your cat spayed or neutered when they are four months old. Don’t delay because the most common reason for unwanted litters is waiting too long to get females spayed.
Common myths
The following are the most common reasons why pet owners are hesitant to have their cats spayed/neutered. We tell you why they’re not true.
Males don’t need to be neutered.
False. It takes two to reproduce, and if your male cat isn’t neutered, he’ll have no problem roaming around and finding an available female mate. Although you might not be the one taking care of the pregnant female and her litter, your lack of responsibility and care has directly contributed to pet overpopulation.
It can affect a cat’s personality.
This is partially true because it can change your cat’s personality—but for the better. Spayed/neutered cats are more sociable, less likely to roam, and more manageable.
Your cat will become lazy and unhealthy.
Laziness and unhealthy habits only happen due to lack of exercise and poor diet. Spaying/neutering can actually improve the quality and length of your cat’s life.
Birth is beneficial to female cats.
Actually, it’s the opposite. Birth can produce all sorts of issues and complications for female cats and even put their lives at risk. It can also be very expensive for you, the owner, as vet bills and the cost of food can add up quickly.
It teaches children about the birth process and how to take care of young animals.
This is one of the worst excuses for not spaying/neutering your cat. There are so many other resources about birth for your children to learn from that don’t involve contributing to the population of homeless cats.
I can’t afford to have my cat spayed/neutered
If you’re a cat owner living in Surrey who needs financial help to have your cat spayed/neutered, you can apply for funding through our SurreyCats Spay/Neuter Program. We’ll cover the cost of the spay/neuter surgery, as well as ear tattoo identification and flea and deworming treatment.
If you don’t live in Surrey, you can find resources at Paws for Hope and the BC SPCA.
Apply to the SurreyCats Spay/Neuter program online or call 778-589-8552 to fill out an application by phone. Don't wait!