Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: version B 2.10.2 9/17/84; site aluxe.UUCP Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!burl!ulysses!mhuxr!mhuxt!houxm!ihnp4!aluxe!cam From: cam@aluxe.UUCP (MASCAVAGE) Newsgroups: net.pets Subject: Re: Whether or not to neuter a female cat Message-ID: <835@aluxe.UUCP> Date: Fri, 3-Jan-86 18:24:56 EST Article-I.D.: aluxe.835 Posted: Fri Jan 3 18:24:56 1986 Date-Received: Sat, 4-Jan-86 05:49:32 EST References: <2548@sdcrdcf.UUCP> Organization: AT&T Bell Laboratories, Allentown, PA Lines: 48 > > What are the advantages and disadvantages to neutering a female > cat? In particular, does the cat suffer when it is in heat? > Is there a danger to the female if it is not neutered and > kept away from other cats? > > If the female cat is going to be kept away from male cats, would > there be a reason to neuter it? I have two young cats(one female, and one male), and a mommy cat. The younguns are both "fixed", but mama isn't. I have found that mamma does get somewhat more vocal and physical (she'll follow you around extremely close to be constantly petted) when she is in heat. This behavior seems to last a couple of days possibly 6 mos. appart(I haven't kept a very good count of the mos. inbetween, so this is extremely approx.) They are all basically indoor cats, though I do try to get them out for fresh air with walks on the leash, and some time in an outdoor pen. I have not had the problem of mamma diving for the door as some others have mentioned,neither has my granmother who's cat is not spayed(she's not had any litters at all),but this may depend on the individual cat. Those are some comments on the unspayed one, now for the "fixed" kitties. Here I basically would like to warn you about some things you may encounter if you decide to get the cat "fixed". From what I have heard from many sources, it is very important not to get this done too early! I would say at least 8mos. if you can wait. In fact if htere is no urgency(an indoor cat with no males available) you may want to make sure the cat is done with it's physical growth - maybe even until after the first heat. The reason I say this is because of the problems that may result if it's done too soon.(This was discussed before on the net, but I'll summarize for those who missed it) If the cat is too young and small when "fixed", proper growth may not occur overall, and especially in the urinary system which leads to blockage problems that may be deadly if not treated immediately. This may be avoided by using a low ash dry diet or a totally moist/wet food diet (mine are doing OK). This syndrome is also more common in males. Basically, be aware of the possible problems, and check carefully into the vet you choose. I was very upset because my vet okayed the "fixing" of my cats at 5mos. which I now believe was way too early after talking more to cat people and other vets. Whatever your decision, GOOD LUCK. CAM