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01
Myth #1: My cat will become overweight
Neutered cats have a tendency to gain weight, since they are no longer driven to roam as they were previously. However, your cat's weight can be managed effectively through proper diet, enough exercise, and constant monitoring of its food intake, you can substantially reduce the risk of your cat's weight gain. A good number of pet food companies produce feeds formulated especially for dietary needs. All you have to do is consult your veterinarian regarding the right amount of food for your cat. The vet should be able to offer healthy guidelines for monitoring the cat's weight. Moreover, plenty of toys are available to keep your cat active and stimulated.
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02
Myth #2: Neutering traumatizes the cat
The truth is that cats (or pets in general) don't feel sad when they lose their ability to give birth. The primary reason they reproduce is to ensure the longevity of their species. A few weeks after giving birth, mother cats nurse their kittens and teach them rules. But after such time, queens let their offspring be on their own. Furthermore, tomcats are not known to father their kittens and don't even involve themselves in nurturing their juveniles. The negative psychological effects of neutering, therefore, are not true.
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03
Myth #3: Neutering is dangerous
The surgical procedures of spaying or neutering are some of the most commonly performed operations in the field of veterinary. They're very safe and don't take long hours to finish. After the procedure, the vet prescribes some pain relievers to help in the recovery process. Complications related to surgery are uncommon. It is especially true when the caretaker or owner follows all the post-surgical care guidelines.
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04
Myth #4: Neutering is an inhumane way to control overpopulation
Initially, neutering was handy when it came to ending the suffering of a cat due to extreme circumstances like terminal illnesses. Today, the procedure is safe and acceptable in controlling the population of cats and other domestic animals. In fact, there are many other reasons to neuter your cat apart from population control.
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05
Myth #5: Neutering fixes many behavioral problems
Actually, neutering tones down unwanted behaviors related to high testosterone levels like mounting on other cats and urinating all over the house. However, expecting your pet to completely change its personality through neutering is totally unrealistic. The procedure can't change the cat's personality, which he or she has developed over time. Neutering can't give your cat a quick makeover…that'll still be dependent how well you train Fluffy.
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06
Myth #6: My cat is too old
Since early cat neutering is important, you can neuter cats when they're 8 weeks young, or they weigh two pounds. With safer anesthetic drugs and advanced techniques, vets can perform the procedure smoothly.
Did you know that even older cats and dogs benefit immensely from neutering? A vet needs to perform pre-surgical blood work on cats that are seven years and above. The test checks kidney and liver function prior to giving him or her the anesthesia.
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07
Myth #7: It’s healthier to allow my cat to have one litter first
Medical evidence suggests that females spayed prior to their maiden heat are healthier. Female cats, which don't undergo the procedure prior to their first heat, have a higher risk of uterus infections or breast cancer. When it comes to the males, cats neutered early in life boast a lesser risk of prostate infections.
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08
Myth #8: Neutering is very costly
Responsibility is part of pet ownership. You have to be a responsible pet owner and that includes its reproductive health. The cost of the neutering procedure definitely pales when compared to that of sheltering the countless cats that live as strays and hardly find good homes.
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