Why Spaying and Neutering Your Cat is One of the Best Things You Can Do!
With kitten season just around the corner, anyone involved in rescue or shelter work knows what this means—an overwhelming number of kittens in need of homes, along with their feline moms. While cats can have kittens year-round, the busiest time for births is between April and October. Warmer weather triggers more breeding, which is why in colder places like Canada, we see an influx of kittens in the spring and summer months.
Spaying and neutering isn’t just about preventing unwanted litters—although that’s a huge part of it. It’s also one of the best things you can do for both your cat’s health and behaviour, whether they live indoors or outdoors.
Does My Indoor Cat Still Need to be Fixed?
Absolutely! While an indoor cat may not contribute to the stray population like outdoor cats do, they can still experience health and behavioural concerns that make life stressful for both them and you.
Female cats go into heat multiple times a year—sometimes every few weeks—even while nursing. Sadly, this can happen soon after giving birth.
Unneutered male cats, on the other hand, tend to mark their territory by spraying strong-smelling urine, which can be a major issue in the home. Even some unspayed females may do this as well. Intact males are also more likely to display aggressive and territorial behaviours. If an indoor cat manages to slip outside, their chances of mating and contributing to overpopulation are high.
Health Benefits of Spaying & Neutering
Spaying and neutering offer significant health benefits, helping cats live longer and healthier lives.
- Spaying females prevents life-threatening uterine infections (pyometra) and drastically reduces the risk of breast cancer.
- Neutering males eliminates the risk of testicular cancer and lowers the likelihood of prostate problems.
- Fixed cats are also less likely to develop certain diseases or engage in risky behaviours like fighting, which can lead to severe injuries and infections.
For outdoor cats, the risks of remaining intact are even greater. Unneutered males roam far from home, increasing their chances of being hit by cars, getting into fights, and contracting diseases. Unspayed females can have multiple litters each year, adding to the overwhelming number of stray and feral cats.
Behavioural Benefits of Spaying & Neutering
A fixed cat is a more relaxed cat, and a relaxed cat means a more peaceful home.
If you’ve ever lived with an unspayed female in heat, you know how exhausting it can be. The loud, drawn-out yowling, restlessness, and constant attempts to escape can lead to sleepless nights. For males (and even some females), territorial marking can also be frustrating.
Another bonus—neutered cats are generally more affectionate and form stronger bonds with their families. Without the influence of hormones, they experience fewer mood swings and stress-related behaviours.
Preventing the Spread of Disease
Unaltered cats are at a higher risk of contracting and spreading serious illnesses, including:
- Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV): A contagious disease that weakens the immune system and is often fatal.
- Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV): Spread through deep bite wounds from fights, this virus leads to chronic illness.
- Rabies: A deadly disease that can be transmitted to humans and other animals.
The Bigger Picture: Overpopulation & Disease Prevention
Spaying and neutering doesn’t just benefit individual cats—it helps control the overall cat population. Right now, tens of thousands of cats are waiting for homes in shelters across Canada, and sadly, many will never be adopted.
One unspayed female cat can have up to three litters per year, with an average of 4–6 kittens per litter. Over her lifetime, she could be responsible for over 100 kittens. This takes a toll on her health and welfare, as well as that of her litters.
Recognizing TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) Programs
Spaying and neutering also play a crucial role in managing stray and feral cat populations. In Toronto and the Greater Toronto & Hamilton Area (GTHA), many incredible Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs work tirelessly to reduce overpopulation and improve the lives of community cats.
These programs humanely trap stray and feral cats, have them spayed or neutered, and return them to their outdoor homes or colonies, where they are monitored and cared for. This approach prevents more kittens from being born into harsh conditions while allowing community cats to live safely. Supporting TNR programs helps ensure that these cats receive the care they deserve.
March Brain Food: Fun Cat Fact!
Have you ever heard of a fever coat in kittens? Also known as a stress coat, this rare phenomenon occurs when a kitten is born with fur that appears lighter or different from what their genetics would typically dictate. Since fur pigmentation is highly sensitive to temperature, if the mother experiences a fever, severe stress, or illness during pregnancy, it can interfere with how the kitten’s coat develops—leading to temporary colour changes.
Having Trouble with Your Cat’s Behaviour? Let’s Chat!
If your cat is trying to communicate and you’re unsure what they’re saying, I’m here to help. Book a free pre-consultation call, and we’ll go over what’s happening and how I can support you. Whether it’s litter box troubles, aggression, anxiety, or something else, we’ll talk about the best steps to restore peace in your home.
Book a Free Pre-Consultation Information Call with Krista, a fear-free, force-free, and positive reinforcement Certified Cat Trainer and Behaviour Specialist in Ontario, Canada.
Article by Krista Schulte
I am a fear-free, force-free, and positive reinforcement Certified Cat Trainer and Behaviour Specialist in Canada. I volunteer in shelters and work on feline enrichment and socialization, and behaviour modification for TLC cases. I threw myself into the Cat Behaviour community and began a path of rigour study, gaining various certificates to attain this goal and will always continue my education. After helping get cats out of the shelters, I transitioned to a Behaviour Counsellor with Toronto Cat Rescue (still with them) to keep cats from going back to the shelter. I am passionate about these cats and their welfare.
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