DREAMS & WISHES INC,
No-Kill Animal Rescue

Neuter and Spay
It's the Humane Way

What is Spaying?

A spay (ovariohysterectomy) is the surgical removal of the uterus and ovaries from the abdomen of an animal.

What is the purpose of spaying?

The spay is the ONLY foolproof method of birth control for female animals, and it is a permanent method.

Will spaying eliminate heat cycles?

Spayed animal no longer goes through heat cycles. Female animals normally come into heat several times a year. Spaying ends several problems associated with the heat cycle, including spraying urine and the necessity of confining females to prevent the approaches of persistent males. Spaying also prevents such irritations as a howling cat in heat.

Are there other good reasons for spaying?

The risk of mammary cancer is reduced if an animal is spayed before its first heat. Also spayed pets cannot develop pyometra, a serious uterine infection. Finally, difficult pregnancy and delivery in older animals or ill animals is prevented.

Do animals gain weight after spaying?

Your animal will not gain weight, if you provide a balanced diet and encourage regular exercise.

Should animals have at least one litter before being spayed?

No. Your animal does not need to have a litter of kittens/puppies to mature.

What is Neutering?

Neutering (castration) is the surgical removal of the testicles from the scrotum of an animal.

What is the purpose of neutering?

Neutering is the primary method of sterilizing male animals as to prevent unwanted and homeless kittens. 

 What are other benefits of neutering?

Neutering an immature animals usually prevents development of mating behavior and the obnoxious habit of spraying urine to mark territory around the house and yard.

An unneutered animal cannot control its mating instincts. Given freedom to wander, such an animal may become hurt or lost, and is almost certain to be responsible for unwanted litters. Humane societies cannot place all unwanted animals; millions must be put to sleep. Countless others are abandoned.

See your veterinarian!

The answer is to SPAY or NEUTER your pet.

Although your cat may act independent and be litter-trained, he

 still counts on you to provide him with food, water, safe shelter, regular veterinary care, companionship, and more. Take care of these ten essentials, and you'll be guaranteed to develop a rewarding relationship with your feline companion.

1.       Outfit your cat with a collar and ID tag that includes your name, address, and telephone number. No matter how careful you are, there's a chance your companion may slip out the door—an ID tag greatly increases the chance that your cat will be returned home safely.

2.       Follow local cat registration laws. Licensing, a registration and identification system administered by some local governments, protects both cats and people in the community.

3.       Keep your cat indoors. Keeping your cat safely confined at all times is best for you, your pet, and your community.

4.       Take your cat to the veterinarian for regular check-ups. If you do not have a veterinarian, ask your local animal shelter or a pet-owning friend for a referral.

5.    Spay or neuter your pet. This will keep her healthier and will reduce the problem of cat overpopulation.

6.       Give your cat a nutritionally balanced diet, including constant access to fresh water. Ask your veterinarian for advice on what and how often to feed your pet.

7.       Train your cat to refrain from undesirable behaviors such as scratching furniture and jumping on countertops. Contrary to popular belief, cats can be trained with a bit of patience, effort, and understanding on your part.

8.       Groom your cat often to keep her coat healthy, soft, and shiny. Although it is especially important to brush long-haired cats to prevent their hair from matting, even short-haired felines need to be groomed to remove as much loose hair as possible. When cats groom themselves, they ingest a great deal of hair, which often leads to hairballs.

9.       Set aside time to play with your cat. While cats do not need the same level of exercise that dogs do, enjoying regular play sessions with your pet will provide him with the physical exercise and mental stimulation he needs, as well as strengthen the bond you share.

Be loyal to and patient with your cat. Make sure the expectations you have of your companion are reasonable and remember that the vast majority of behavior problems can be solved. If you are struggling with your pet's behavior, contact your veterinarian or local animal shelter for advice.