There
are so many benefits to spaying or neutering your pets before they have a
chance to reproduce. It only takes one escape to contribute to the problem of
pet overpopulation. One cat and her kits
will produce over 420,000 cats in about seven years! Unfortunately, there are many misconceptions
around spaying and neutering:
Myth: My pet will get fat and lazy.
Fact: The truth is that most pets get fat
and lazy because their owners feed them too much and don't give them enough
exercise.
Myth: It's better to have one litter
first.
Fact: Medical evidence indicates just the
opposite. Females spayed before their first heat are typically healthier.
Myth: My children should experience the
miracle of birth.
Fact: Even if children are able to see a
pet give birth- which is unlikely since it usually occurs at night and in
seclusion - the lesson they will really learn is that animals can be created
and discarded as it suits adults. Instead
it should be explained to children that the real miracle is life and that preventing
the birth of some pets can save the lives of others.
Myth: I should breed my pet because he's
a purebred.
Fact: At least one out of every four pets
brought to animal shelters around the country are purebred. There are just too
many dogs and cats - mixed and purebred.
Myth: I want my dog to be protective.
Fact: Spaying or neutering does not affect
a dog's natural instinct to protect home and family.
Myth: I don't want my dog or cat to
feel less of a male.
Fact: Pets don't have any concept of
sexual identity or ego. Neutering will
not change a pet's basic personality. He doesn't suffer any kind of emotional reaction
or identity crisis when neutered. Any changes resulting from altering are
generally positive like less aggression, spraying, and straying from home to
find a mate.
Myths
Myth: My dog or cat is so special I want
a puppy or kitten just like her.
Fact: A dog or cat may be a great pet,
but that doesn't mean her offspring will be carbon copies.
Myth: I'll find good homes for all of the
puppies or kittens.
Fact: Only 1 in 5 puppies and kittens
stay in their original home for its natural lifetime. The remaining 4 are abandoned
to the streets or end up in a shelter. If you are lucky to find homes for all
of your pet's litter, it means there are fewer homes for all of the dogs and
cats in shelters who need good homes too.
Myth: It's too expensive to have my pet spayed
or neutered.
Fact: Spaying or neutering is a small (one-time)
price to pay for all of the benefits received. It's a bargain compared to the
cost of having a litter and ensuring the health of the mother and litter, two
months of pregnancy and another two months until the litter is weaned which can
add up to significant veterinary bills and food costs. More importantly, it
enhances your pet's health and prevents the births of more unwanted pets.
But, when any cost is an issue, that's where The Flathead Spay & Neuter Task Force comes in! Because we are a non-profit
organization staffed by volunteers, we
can offer low-cost surgeries for pets and feral
cats. We actively work at fundraising and obtaining grants to be able to provide
affordable spay and neuter services
to anyone who needs it.
