World Spay Day - February 23

Today is World Spay Day, when UK animal charities join forces to help spread the message to owners to get their pets neutered.

Looking at cats, according to the latest PDSA PAW Report, around 70% of litters of kittens are unplanned. Many cat owners are caught out because they did not realise their cats could get pregnant at less than six months of age – while still kittens themselves – and will even mate with siblings.

If you can, book your cat in for neutering at four months old. But because of the current impact of the coronavirus pandemic on veterinary practices, many vets have had to prioritise emergency appointments, as well as changing the way they work to keep the veterinary team and clients safe. So it’s best to check with your vet as soon as you can for availability and make an appointment in advance.

As well as avoiding pregnancy, there are a number of health benefits for getting your cat neutered too. Spaying stops her from developing cancer of the ovaries or uterus. It also stops her from coming into ‘heat’ frequently which may be frustrating for her, and difficult for you to manage, to avoid pregnancy. Neutering also protects female cats against risks associated with pregnancy.

It’s not just a girl thing: male cats that have been neutered are less likely to end up injured from fighting or stray from home. Cats are prone to injury and even infection following a fight – injuries caused as a result of fighting are a very common reason for a vet appointment. Neutering can also help protect them from catching diseases, such as FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus). They’re also less likely to mark the house with the scent by spraying smelly urine to appeal to potential female mates.