Neutering

If you are not intending to breed from your pet, there are undoubted advantages to neutering.

In male dogs and cats, neutering (or castration) removes the influence of the hormone testosterone, which results in reduced fighting, aggression and roaming behaviour (and thus the risk of road traffic accidents).

It is especially important in male cats as infectious diseases such as FeLV (Feline Leukaemia) and FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus) are commonly spread through fighting and sexual activity. Un-neutered male cats also tend to mark the house with a very pungent spray, and they very frequently get bitten in cat fights with resulting abscesses and infections.

In dogs, recall is often better in castrated males, and there is no chance of testicular or prostate cancer once they have been neutered. Humping behaviour of legs and cushions is usually much reduced after castration too!

If we’re honest, there are also enough puppies and kittens in the world, as evidenced by the RSPCA’s recent announcement that they may not have the resources to look after all the unwanted dogs and cats that are being presented to them at the moment.

There are therefore many pro’s to neutering and the only possible con can be a tendency towards weight gain afterwards. This is easily prevented by feeding the correct diet and having adequate exercise, just like us!

Banstead Village Veterinary Surgery is offering 20% off the cost of dog and cat neutering during May, so contact the surgery on 01737 210011 to make a booking.