Spaying or neutering your cat is a common procedure that involves an operation performed under a general anesthesia. Spaying in female cats is the surgical removal of the female reproductive organs (ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus), and neutering in male cats is the surgical removal of the testicles. After the surgery, there may be some discomfort, but this is part of the normal healing process and can be controlled with medication. Generally, your cat will stay at the veterinarian's office for anywhere from a few hours to a few days, and he will reach recovery in a couple of weeks.

Spaying or neutering your cat is a one-time cost with a lifetime of benefits such as helping to curb overpopulation. In seven years, an unspayed female and unneutered male cat can produce up to 781,250 kittens. Curbing the pet population will help alleviate overcrowding at animal shelters and the number of stray cats on the streets.

Spaying and neutering also reduces your pet's risk of succumbing to many health problems later. Regardless of common thought, spaying and neutering your cat will not make him fat or lazy; only too much food and lack of exercise can lead to overweight pets. Spaying eliminates the chance for uterine or ovarian cancer and greatly reduces the incidence of breast cancer in female cats. It will also prevent uterine infections. Intact females in heat - which can occur several times a year for 7 to 10 days at a time - may cry incessantly, show nervous behavior, and attract unwanted male animals. Neutering eliminates testicular cancer and decreases the incidence of prostate disease in male cats. Neutering cats makes them less likely to spray and mark territory. Spaying and neutering your cat can now be performed at an earlier age rather than having to wait until a cat reaches 5-7 months old. Neutering makes male cats less likely to roam in search of a mate. Neutering will also make male cats less likely to mark their territory, including inside your house. Spaying and neutering can make pets more affectionate, become less interested in other animals and spend more time with the family.

The age, sex and health of your pet affect the cost of the spaying or neutering operation. Generally, it is less expensive to spay or neuter at a younger age. If you need assistance with the fee, many veterinarians and your local animal shelter may operate a local clinic (or know of one) that offers subsidized spaying or neutering services. Local animal shelters may also offer vouchers to have your pet spayed or neutered at a lower cost by local cooperating private veterinarians. The costs of having a litter are often more than the cost of spaying or neutering your cat.