Neutering

At Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, we understand the importance of neutering. We care for nearly 9,000 dogs and cats every year, many of which are young puppies and kittens. Although these can be very appealing, owners often find themselves unable to cope with the time or cost involved with caring for young dependent animals. As a result they find their way through the Home’s doors.

Over a lifetime female cats and dogs can have a staggering number of kittens and puppies. At Battersea, we’re convinced the numbers of unwanted cats and dogs arriving at the Home each year could be dramatically reduced if owners took the decision to neuter their pets.

Neutering is a simple operation performed by a vet while the animal is under anaesthetic. After the op the cat or dog is no longer able to reproduce. There are a range of benefits to neutering your pet.

Owning an unneutered female cat or dog can be very stressful when they come into season. A female dog can come into season twice a
year, and a female cat can come into season several times a year.

In addition to the mess involved, your female dog may be pursued by persistent male dogs, which can make walks very difficult. A female dog in season may also try to escape during this time to find a mate, and male dogs will go to great efforts to find her. A female cat is also likely to attract unneutered males into the garden, and she will have to be kept at home during this time because if allowed out, she will almost certainly find a mate and become pregnant. She will constantly be looking for an escape route and could be very vocal.

There are also medical and behavioural benefits of neutering. Castration removes the worry of testicular cancer for male dogs and cats, and helps prevent the onset of diseases such as prostate cancer. In female dogs, spaying can reduce the risk of mammary tumours and womb infections. In male cats, unneutered males tend to be territorial and can be aggressive, which can lead to fights. This can result in serious injury as well as leaving them at greater risk of catching FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus).

For more information on the benefits of neutering your pet, as well as other aspects of responsible pet ownership, download the factsheets
on our website at www.battersea.org.uk/help_advice/publications.