TO SPAY OR

NOT TO SPAY

By Adriana G-A McIndoe

http://www.angelfire.com/hi4/lagatagata

What is Spaying / Neutering?What is Spaying / Neutering? Spaying / Neutering is the removal of the animal’s reproductive organs by means of surgery. Upon reaching sexual maturity, female animals are spayed (removal of ovaries), whereas males are neutered (removal of testicles).

Sexual MaturitySexual Maturity

5 – 7 months for a female cat / dog

8 – 10 months for a male cat / dog

It is recommended that all dogs / cats not intended for breeding purposes be spayed / neutered.

Benefits of Spaying / NeuteringBenefits of Spaying / Neutering

Spaying / Neutering is considered the most humane and economical means of addressing the problem of stray / feral cat overpopulation.It eliminates behavior problems such as, spraying of urine, fighting, and annoying late-night courting of females.

Other BenefitsOther BenefitsSpaying / Neutering:1) Eliminates the threat

of ovarian / uterine cancer, and greatly reduces the female’s chances of developing breast cancer, if done before she reaches sexual maturity 1

2) Eliminates the nuisance of stray male suitors

3) Reduces the female’s desire to wander and breed

4) Eliminates irritating heat-related behaviors

5) Prevents unwanted pregnancies

6) Helps control feral cat overpopulation

1 “Spay and Neuter Information.” 5 November 2000. http://www.http://www.fuzzyfacefuzzyface.com/news..com/news.htmhtm - - spayinfo spayinfo

What is a Feral Cat?What is a Feral Cat?

Feral cats are the “wild” offspring of domestic cats, and the end result of a pet owner’s neglect to alter his / her animals.

A Single Unspayed Female CatA Single Unspayed Female Cat

The Hawaii Cat Foundation estimates that a single unspayed female cat could have two to three litters YEARLY, with each containing four to six kittens. 2

2 “Feral Cats in Hawaii: Why Are There Feral Cats?” 29 October 2000. Hawaii Cat Foundation. http://www.hicat.org/

Two Unspayed Dogs Two Unspayed Dogs Can Produce . . .Can Produce . . .

Let’s start with two dogs:

Year 1: four puppies, two are female

Year 2: twelve puppies, six are female

Year 7: the two dogs have yielded 4,372 puppies 33 ”Why Spay and Neuter?” Paradise Animal Shelter Helpers. http://www.ears.net/pash/News2Use_/why_spay_.html

Cats Are Even Cats Are Even WorseWorse!!

In four short years, two cats can produce 20,736 kittens! 4

4 “Why Spay and Neuter?” Paradise Animal Shelter Helpers. http://www.ears.net/pash/News2Use_/why_spay_.html

Stray / Feral CatsStray / Feral Cats

It is estimated that 70,000 puppies / kittens are born in the United States every day. Roughly 3,500 will be saved. The rest will be euthanized, or will suffer the cruelties of disease and starvation. 5

What Happens to Stray / Feral Cats?

Estimated # born in the US daily 70,000

# of Stray / Feral Survivors 3,500 % of Stray / Feral Survivors 5%

# of Stray / Feral Non-survivors 66,500 % of Stray / Feral Non-survivors 95%

What Happens to Stray / Feral Cats?

70,000

3,500

66,500

-20,000

40,00060,000

80,000

1

Estimated # born inthe US daily

# of Stray / FeralSurvivors

# of Stray / FeralNon-survivors

5 “Neuter and Spay, It’s the Humane Way.” Guam Animals in Need. http://www.guamanimals.org/neuterbenefit.htm

So, Why Are More Animals So, Why Are More Animals Not Spayed / Neutered?Not Spayed / Neutered?

There are many misconceptions regarding the procedure. Let us address some myths, and get the facts straight!

Myth vs. FactMyth vs. FactSpaying / Neutering is painful! The procedure is done using general

anesthesia. Your pet will return to normal within 24 – 72 hours.

The surgery is expensive! Spaying ($29) / Neutering ($18), less than the cost of raising a litter of kittens / puppies.

It’s better to have one litter first! Female dogs / cats spayed before their first heat cycle live longer, healthier lives.

My pet’s personality will change! It will be less aggressive, will wander less, and its desire to spray will diminish / cease.

Males don’t give birth, so we don’t need to neuter them!

Remember, “it takes two to tango.” Whereas a female can have only one litter at a time, a male can impregnate several females per day.

My male cat will be less of a “male!” Your male doesn’t know he’s male.

6 “Spay and Neuter Information.” 5 November 2000. http://www.fuzzyface.com/news.htm - spayinfo

6

Be Part of the Solution!Be Part of the Solution!

Neuter and spay; it’s the humane way!

Neuter and spay; it’s the humane way!

Contact InformationContact Information

2700 Waialae Avenue Honolulu, HI 96826

PH: (808) 946-2187E-mail: http://www.hsus.org