spaying…
Question:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >Well, assuming you are a cat and not a human, you probably didn’t come >into heat because the breeding season is pretty much over — and you were >lucky, as well. Our Tipsy came into heat promptly at 6 months in January >(and the day before her scheduled surgery). We had delayed Tipsy’s spay >because of our concern about her brain condition (cerebellar hypoplasia). >My point was, there is no good reason to wait until 6 months (or later) to >spay a kitten, as breeding age is reached by 6 months or sooner (one of >our rescue kittens came into heat at 3 months). What’s more, kittens >recover much more quickly from the anesthesia and the surgery than cats. >I’m afraid the adage of waiting for 6 months to spay and 9 months to >neuter is an old vet’s tale. >Just trying to encourage more pet owners to sterilize "early" and avoid >all those unwanted litters that appear every spring and fall. Several of >those are with us now, seeking homes. >Purrs, >Sharon Talbert >Friends of Campus Cats >www.campuscats.org
You are absolutely right, and many cat guardians do not realize that time of the year does affect reproductive cycles. We had a cat spayed at 8 months who had not had a cycle yet–but she would have as soon as the days started getting longer. We learned our lesson with our other cat, who went into heat at 5 months in the spring time, two weeks before she was scheduled to be spayed. Next time we will spay as early as the vet is willing to do it. As you say, there is no reason to wait.
Response:
> I must be the acception. I was spayed last week at the ripe old age p 6.5 > months. I never experienced heat – apart from the body heat my parents give > off.
Well, assuming you are a cat and not a human, you probably didn’t come into heat because the breeding season is pretty much over — and you were lucky, as well. Our Tipsy came into heat promptly at 6 months in January (and the day before her scheduled surgery). We had delayed Tipsy’s spay because of our concern about her brain condition (cerebellar hypoplasia). My point was, there is no good reason to wait until 6 months (or later) to spay a kitten, as breeding age is reached by 6 months or sooner (one of our rescue kittens came into heat at 3 months). What’s more, kittens recover much more quickly from the anesthesia and the surgery than cats. I’m afraid the adage of waiting for 6 months to spay and 9 months to neuter is an old vet’s tale. Just trying to encourage more pet owners to sterilize "early" and avoid all those unwanted litters that appear every spring and fall. Several of those are with us now, seeking homes. Purrs, Sharon Talbert Friends of Campus Cats www.campuscats.org
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I must be the acception. I was spayed last week at the ripe old age p 6.5 > months. I never experienced heat – apart from the body heat my parents give > off. > Well, assuming you are a cat and not a human, you probably didn’t come > into heat because the breeding season is pretty much over — and you were > lucky, as well. Our Tipsy came into heat promptly at 6 months in January > (and the day before her scheduled surgery). We had delayed Tipsy’s spay > because of our concern about her brain condition (cerebellar hypoplasia). > My point was, there is no good reason to wait until 6 months (or later) to > spay a kitten, as breeding age is reached by 6 months or sooner (one of > our rescue kittens came into heat at 3 months). What’s more, kittens > recover much more quickly from the anesthesia and the surgery than cats. > I’m afraid the adage of waiting for 6 months to spay and 9 months to > neuter is an old vet’s tale.
If you say so. The majority of cats don’t reach sexual maturity until between the ages of 6 and 10 months old. That’s a fact. Certainly some do reach this point sooner but if the owner has half a brain they realize this and wouldn’t allow their furball out unsupervised prior to spaying or neutering. > Just trying to encourage more pet owners to sterilize "early" and avoid > all those unwanted litters that appear every spring and fall. Several of > those are with us now, seeking homes.
I understand what you are saying, but there are many people out there who have chosen a cat as a pet and have no clue as to what’s best for them. They have seen nothing apart from the cute furball. When it comes to the cost of caring for them, they are surprised! They can’t afford them so complain. Encourage people to sterilize early all you want, but when you’re dealing with people who haven’t a clue about cats, you don’t have a chance. Judy
Response:
> There are a number of excellent reasons to spay (or neuter) a kitten as > soon as it is robust enough (which in my book is a healthy 8 weeks and at > least 2 pounds). > An unspayed female WILL come into heat promptly at 6 months (if not > before)
Hmmmmmmmmmmm. I must be the acception. I was spayed last week at the ripe old age p 6.5 months. I never experienced heat – apart from the body heat my parents give off. Matilda
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi, > thanks for your answer. > I just wanted to say that here in Germany they do not kill the animals in > the shelters. > No matter how old they are or if they are sick. > In the Shelter where we were looking for a kitten they had a Quarantine > with > about 12 cats. > They take care of them and wont sell them before they are healthy. > I am very happy that the laws in Germany are not like in the USA. > Sarah, Olie & Nermal > It will still be good to spay her. Heat is a pretty, um, trying condition > for all concerned. Also, spaying can greatly reduce chances of certain types > of cancer. She’ll be a happier kitty in the long run.
Unspayed females often mark territory with urine, too–I had Miss Bean done after she had "claimed" a bathroom rug, a pair of jeans, the quilt on my bed, and even a plastic grocery bag lying on the floor. I didn’t realize what she was doing at first–I knew tomcats sprayed, but had never experienced it in females before. I thought she was angry at me, or didn’t understand that she was supposed to use her box. Now I know! And if that isn’t unpleasant enough, just *try* to sleep while sharing an apartment with a cat in heat. It’s horrible, both for you *and* the cat. It makes life much easier for both of you if she’s spayed.
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->I have to agree here – it will drive you >absolutely crazy. > You are NOT kidding! Even when I was in my late teens I knew spaying was > important and the first cat I ever got was spayed without hesitation. > When I was in my early twenties I rescued a cat off the street. She was > about 6 months old and should have been spayed right away, but I was > broke, this was a totally unexpected turn of events, and I had to save > up to get her spayed. She went into heat before I got the money > together. After two days and nights <and I’ll never forget this> I was > on the phone to my mom IN TEARS and BEGGING her to please, please, > please lend me the money to get Heidi spayed right away, as by that time > I was a complete basket case from the non stop caterwauling and lack of > sleep.
Bean was an apartment cat, strictly indoor, for the first year or so of her life, and since she wasn’t going outside anyway I didn’t get around to having her spayed until she was over a year old. I’d *never* dealt with cat in heat before, and while she would get really really *friendly* once in a while it didn’t quite dawn on me what was going on. Finally, the day came when she went into a full-blown, yowling-out-the-bathroom-window-at-3-am heat, and I understood what people meant by the phrase, "like a cat in heat." I never wanted to deal with that again. We were both frazzed out wrecks after three full days; she was insatiably horny, I was utterly exhausted. It took another five days for her to settle back down, and off she went to the vet. I knew well enough not to let her get pregnant, but it wasn’t until then that I understood the necessity of spaying even an indoor-only cat. Some lessons get learned the hard way…
Response:
So, if you or the original poster, whoever that may be, spays the cat in question, it will be guaranteed that no offspring from that cat will spend its life in a little box or a cage. That and health benefits the cat receives from being spayed should answer the question with yes, please spay the cat. Annie – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > In the Quarantine they each lived in seperated little boxes. > The other cats were in a big cage…but i think it wasnt big enough for the > number of cats that were in there. > And of course would it be much better if they all would have loving homes > 
> Sarah, Olie and Nermal > What are the living conditions of the animals in shelters? Are they in > cages? Just by being there, it means there are too many unwanted cats. > Wouldn’t it be better if they all had loving homes? > Annie > > Hi, > > thanks for your answer. > > I just wanted to say that here in Germany they do not kill the animals > in > > the shelters. > > No matter how old they are or if they are sick. > > In the Shelter where we were looking for a kitten they had a Quarantine > with > > about 12 cats. > > They take care of them and wont sell them before they are healthy. > > I am very happy that the laws in Germany are not like in the USA. > > Sarah, Olie & Nermal > > > : hi, > > > : we have a question about spaying our little nermal. > > > : is it necessary ? > > > Yes. It will maket he cat healthier, you won’t have to deal with her > in > > > heat, and (very important) it prevents unwanted "accidents" from > > > happening (for example her getting out and mating). Too many kittens > as is > > > making ti so shelters have to kill a lot (soemtimes even to the point > that > > > a cat sneezes they put it to sleep) so please help by not contributing > to > > > the problem (too many cats) and spay her. > > > Tigress > > > — > > > The root cause of problems is simple overpopulation. People just > aren’t > > > worth very much any more, and they know it. Makes ‘em testy. …Bev > > > | _,,,—,,_ Tigress > > > /,`.-’`’ -. ;-;;,_ http://havoc.gtf.gatech.edu/tigress > > > ’—”(_/–’ `-’_) Cat by Felix Lee.
Response:
hi, we have a question about spaying our little nermal. is it necessary ? nermal will always be a house kitty and wont have the opertunity to meet any male kitties. we heard that the risk goes down for different illnesses when nermal would be spayed. and we heard that when she would go into heat that she would drive us crazy. i dont want nermal to be spayed but my husband thinks it will be better for her. could we have some feedback on this. thanks. sarah, olie and nermal
Response:
: hi, : we have a question about spaying our little nermal. : is it necessary ? Yes. It will maket he cat healthier, you won’t have to deal with her in heat, and (very important) it prevents unwanted "accidents" from happening (for example her getting out and mating). Too many kittens as is making ti so shelters have to kill a lot (soemtimes even to the point that a cat sneezes they put it to sleep) so please help by not contributing to the problem (too many cats) and spay her. Tigress — The root cause of problems is simple overpopulation. People just aren’t worth very much any more, and they know it. Makes ‘em testy. …Bev | _,,,—,,_ Tigress /,`.-’`’ -. ;-;;,_ http://havoc.gtf.gatech.edu/tigress ’—”(_/–’ `-’_) Cat by Felix Lee.
Response:
Hi, thanks for your answer. I just wanted to say that here in Germany they do not kill the animals in the shelters. No matter how old they are or if they are sick. In the Shelter where we were looking for a kitten they had a Quarantine with about 12 cats. They take care of them and wont sell them before they are healthy. I am very happy that the laws in Germany are not like in the USA. Sarah, Olie & Nermal
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > : hi, > : we have a question about spaying our little nermal. > : is it necessary ? > Yes. It will maket he cat healthier, you won’t have to deal with her in > heat, and (very important) it prevents unwanted "accidents" from > happening (for example her getting out and mating). Too many kittens as is > making ti so shelters have to kill a lot (soemtimes even to the point that > a cat sneezes they put it to sleep) so please help by not contributing to > the problem (too many cats) and spay her. > Tigress > — > The root cause of problems is simple overpopulation. People just aren’t > worth very much any more, and they know it. Makes ‘em testy. …Bev > | _,,,—,,_ Tigress > /,`.-’`’ -. ;-;;,_ http://havoc.gtf.gatech.edu/tigress > ’—”(_/–’ `-’_) Cat by Felix Lee.
Response:
> Hi, > thanks for your answer. > I just wanted to say that here in Germany they do not kill the animals in > the shelters. > No matter how old they are or if they are sick. > In the Shelter where we were looking for a kitten they had a Quarantine with > about 12 cats. > They take care of them and wont sell them before they are healthy. > I am very happy that the laws in Germany are not like in the USA. > Sarah, Olie & Nermal
It will still be good to spay her. Heat is a pretty, um, trying condition for all concerned. Also, spaying can greatly reduce chances of certain types of cancer. She’ll be a happier kitty in the long run. Karen
Response:
There are a number of excellent reasons to spay (or neuter) a kitten as soon as it is robust enough (which in my book is a healthy 8 weeks and at least 2 pounds). An unspayed female WILL come into heat promptly at 6 months (if not before) and come in and out of heat (mostly in) throughout the breeding season (which is to say spring-fall and sometimes in the dead of winter). A female in heat will do her level best to get outside to breed — and is likely to succeed in both. What’s more, she will, with all her racket, attract any willing male (and any unsterilized male is more than willing) to your doorstep or windowsill. (You may safely assume this will result in spraying and fighting among these suiters.) A female in heat will not only caterwaul day and night, she will pee inappropriately. A common behavior is pulling down clean towels and annointing them or climbing into the laundrey basket, etc. A female in heat even once is more at risk of developing breast cancer later in life. A female suffering through multiple heats and litters is at high risk. There is no cure. Anyone care to add to the list? I’m afraid I can’t think of a single good reason not to spay or neuter. Sharon Talbert Friends of Campus Cats www.campuscats.org
Response:
Yes, most definitely have her spayed. Diseases of the reproductive tract will be eliminated or minimized – depending upon the various diseases, she will not go into heat – which will drive you nuts (& possibly her, too), & she won’t develop the trait of "marking" – peeing in places to mark as hers (different than a UTI). Cathy — "Staccato signals of constant information…" ("The Boy in the Bubble") Paul Simon
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> hi, > we have a question about spaying our little nermal. > is it necessary ? > nermal will always be a house kitty and wont have the opertunity to meet any > male kitties. > we heard that the risk goes down for different illnesses when nermal would > be spayed. > and we heard that when she would go into heat that she would drive us crazy. > i dont want nermal to be spayed but my husband thinks it will be better for > her. > could we have some feedback on this. > thanks. > sarah, olie and nermal
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> hi, > we have a question about spaying our little nermal. > is it necessary ? > nermal will always be a house kitty and wont have the opertunity to meet any > male kitties. > we heard that the risk goes down for different illnesses when nermal would > be spayed. > and we heard that when she would go into heat that she would drive us crazy. > i dont want nermal to be spayed but my husband thinks it will be better for > her. > could we have some feedback on this. > thanks. > sarah, olie and nermal
I have to agree with your husband. The risk for different illnesses does go down and the howling, every few weeks for a cats lifetime, may very well drive you crazy. Listening to cats in heat howling outside drives us crazy. Can’t imagine how crazy it would drive us if it were happening in the house as it’s never happened. :c) Why don’t you want Nermal to be spayed? Do you have any specific concerns? Our little Matilda was spayed a week ago to day and apart from a shaved belly and a 1" pencil line incision site, you’d never know she’d "been under the knife." For her, it’s business as usual. Oh my!! <G> Best wishes. Judy & Matilda
Response:
>A female in heat even once is more at risk of developing breast cancer >later in life. A female suffering through multiple heats and litters >is at high risk. There is no cure. >Anyone care to add to the list?
Yes, one more. A female cat that suffers unrelieved heats (meaning without a pregnancy) actually does suffer. Anyone who has been around a cat in heat can see that the cat is not comfortable.
Response:
>I have to agree with your husband. The risk for different illnesses does go >down and the howling, every few weeks for a cats lifetime, may very well >drive you crazy. Listening to cats in heat howling outside drives us crazy. >Can’t imagine how crazy it would drive us if it were happening in the house >as it’s never happened. :c)
I have to agree here – it will drive you absolutely crazy. My mother’s Siamese had one season before she was spayed (her hormones beat the vet to it) and just that one was enough – even the most tolerant human can be driven ever so slightly insane by the sound, I guarantee you! -Helen — "Life’s too short to drink cheap wine…" == Homepages: http://www.yoshiwara.demon.co.uk/helen/index.htm
Response:
What are the living conditions of the animals in shelters? Are they in cages? Just by being there, it means there are too many unwanted cats. Wouldn’t it be better if they all had loving homes? Annie – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Hi, > thanks for your answer. > I just wanted to say that here in Germany they do not kill the animals in > the shelters. > No matter how old they are or if they are sick. > In the Shelter where we were looking for a kitten they had a Quarantine with > about 12 cats. > They take care of them and wont sell them before they are healthy. > I am very happy that the laws in Germany are not like in the USA. > Sarah, Olie & Nermal > : hi, > : we have a question about spaying our little nermal. > : is it necessary ? > Yes. It will maket he cat healthier, you won’t have to deal with her in > heat, and (very important) it prevents unwanted "accidents" from > happening (for example her getting out and mating). Too many kittens as is > making ti so shelters have to kill a lot (soemtimes even to the point that > a cat sneezes they put it to sleep) so please help by not contributing to > the problem (too many cats) and spay her. > Tigress > — > The root cause of problems is simple overpopulation. People just aren’t > worth very much any more, and they know it. Makes ‘em testy. …Bev > | _,,,—,,_ Tigress > /,`.-’`’ -. ;-;;,_ http://havoc.gtf.gatech.edu/tigress > ’—”(_/–’ `-’_) Cat by Felix Lee.
Response:
>I have to agree here – it will drive you >absolutely crazy.
You are NOT kidding! Even when I was in my late teens I knew spaying was important and the first cat I ever got was spayed without hesitation. When I was in my early twenties I rescued a cat off the street. She was about 6 months old and should have been spayed right away, but I was broke, this was a totally unexpected turn of events, and I had to save up to get her spayed. She went into heat before I got the money together. After two days and nights <and I’ll never forget this> I was on the phone to my mom IN TEARS and BEGGING her to please, please, please lend me the money to get Heidi spayed right away, as by that time I was a complete basket case from the non stop caterwauling and lack of sleep. Megan "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." -Edmund Burke Learn The TRUTH About Declawing http://www.stopdeclaw.com Zuzu’s Cats Photo Album: http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumList?u=244574
Response:
In the Quarantine they each lived in seperated little boxes. The other cats were in a big cage…but i think it wasnt big enough for the number of cats that were in there. And of course would it be much better if they all would have loving homes Sarah, Olie and Nermal
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> What are the living conditions of the animals in shelters? Are they in > cages? Just by being there, it means there are too many unwanted cats. > Wouldn’t it be better if they all had loving homes? > Annie > Hi, > thanks for your answer. > I just wanted to say that here in Germany they do not kill the animals in > the shelters. > No matter how old they are or if they are sick. > In the Shelter where we were looking for a kitten they had a Quarantine with > about 12 cats. > They take care of them and wont sell them before they are healthy. > I am very happy that the laws in Germany are not like in the USA. > Sarah, Olie & Nermal > > : hi, > > : we have a question about spaying our little nermal. > > : is it necessary ? > > Yes. It will maket he cat healthier, you won’t have to deal with her in > > heat, and (very important) it prevents unwanted "accidents" from > > happening (for example her getting out and mating). Too many kittens as is > > making ti so shelters have to kill a lot (soemtimes even to the point that > > a cat sneezes they put it to sleep) so please help by not contributing to > > the problem (too many cats) and spay her. > > Tigress > > — > > The root cause of problems is simple overpopulation. People just aren’t > > worth very much any more, and they know it. Makes ‘em testy. …Bev > > | _,,,—,,_ Tigress > > /,`.-’`’ -. ;-;;,_ http://havoc.gtf.gatech.edu/tigress > > ’—”(_/–’ `-’_) Cat by Felix Lee.
Response:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >Well, assuming you are a cat and not a human, you probably didn’t come >into heat because the breeding season is pretty much over — and you were >lucky, as well. Our Tipsy came into heat promptly at 6 months in January >(and the day before her scheduled surgery). We had delayed Tipsy’s spay >because of our concern about her brain condition (cerebellar hypoplasia). >My point was, there is no good reason to wait until 6 months (or later) to >spay a kitten, as breeding age is reached by 6 months or sooner (one of >our rescue kittens came into heat at 3 months). What’s more, kittens >recover much more quickly from the anesthesia and the surgery than cats. >I’m afraid the adage of waiting for 6 months to spay and 9 months to >neuter is an old vet’s tale. >Just trying to encourage more pet owners to sterilize "early" and avoid >all those unwanted litters that appear every spring and fall. Several of >those are with us now, seeking homes. >Purrs, >Sharon Talbert >Friends of Campus Cats >www.campuscats.org
You are absolutely right, and many cat guardians do not realize that time of the year does affect reproductive cycles. We had a cat spayed at 8 months who had not had a cycle yet–but she would have as soon as the days started getting longer. We learned our lesson with our other cat, who went into heat at 5 months in the spring time, two weeks before she was scheduled to be spayed. Next time we will spay as early as the vet is willing to do it. As you say, there is no reason to wait.
Response:
> I must be the acception. I was spayed last week at the ripe old age p 6.5 > months. I never experienced heat – apart from the body heat my parents give > off.
Well, assuming you are a cat and not a human, you probably didn’t come into heat because the breeding season is pretty much over — and you were lucky, as well. Our Tipsy came into heat promptly at 6 months in January (and the day before her scheduled surgery). We had delayed Tipsy’s spay because of our concern about her brain condition (cerebellar hypoplasia). My point was, there is no good reason to wait until 6 months (or later) to spay a kitten, as breeding age is reached by 6 months or sooner (one of our rescue kittens came into heat at 3 months). What’s more, kittens recover much more quickly from the anesthesia and the surgery than cats. I’m afraid the adage of waiting for 6 months to spay and 9 months to neuter is an old vet’s tale. Just trying to encourage more pet owners to sterilize "early" and avoid all those unwanted litters that appear every spring and fall. Several of those are with us now, seeking homes. Purrs, Sharon Talbert Friends of Campus Cats www.campuscats.org
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I must be the acception. I was spayed last week at the ripe old age p 6.5 > months. I never experienced heat – apart from the body heat my parents give > off. > Well, assuming you are a cat and not a human, you probably didn’t come > into heat because the breeding season is pretty much over — and you were > lucky, as well. Our Tipsy came into heat promptly at 6 months in January > (and the day before her scheduled surgery). We had delayed Tipsy’s spay > because of our concern about her brain condition (cerebellar hypoplasia). > My point was, there is no good reason to wait until 6 months (or later) to > spay a kitten, as breeding age is reached by 6 months or sooner (one of > our rescue kittens came into heat at 3 months). What’s more, kittens > recover much more quickly from the anesthesia and the surgery than cats. > I’m afraid the adage of waiting for 6 months to spay and 9 months to > neuter is an old vet’s tale.
If you say so. The majority of cats don’t reach sexual maturity until between the ages of 6 and 10 months old. That’s a fact. Certainly some do reach this point sooner but if the owner has half a brain they realize this and wouldn’t allow their furball out unsupervised prior to spaying or neutering. > Just trying to encourage more pet owners to sterilize "early" and avoid > all those unwanted litters that appear every spring and fall. Several of > those are with us now, seeking homes.
I understand what you are saying, but there are many people out there who have chosen a cat as a pet and have no clue as to what’s best for them. They have seen nothing apart from the cute furball. When it comes to the cost of caring for them, they are surprised! They can’t afford them so complain. Encourage people to sterilize early all you want, but when you’re dealing with people who haven’t a clue about cats, you don’t have a chance. Judy
Response:
> There are a number of excellent reasons to spay (or neuter) a kitten as > soon as it is robust enough (which in my book is a healthy 8 weeks and at > least 2 pounds). > An unspayed female WILL come into heat promptly at 6 months (if not > before)
Hmmmmmmmmmmm. I must be the acception. I was spayed last week at the ripe old age p 6.5 months. I never experienced heat – apart from the body heat my parents give off. Matilda
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi, > thanks for your answer. > I just wanted to say that here in Germany they do not kill the animals in > the shelters. > No matter how old they are or if they are sick. > In the Shelter where we were looking for a kitten they had a Quarantine > with > about 12 cats. > They take care of them and wont sell them before they are healthy. > I am very happy that the laws in Germany are not like in the USA. > Sarah, Olie & Nermal > It will still be good to spay her. Heat is a pretty, um, trying condition > for all concerned. Also, spaying can greatly reduce chances of certain types > of cancer. She’ll be a happier kitty in the long run.
Unspayed females often mark territory with urine, too–I had Miss Bean done after she had "claimed" a bathroom rug, a pair of jeans, the quilt on my bed, and even a plastic grocery bag lying on the floor. I didn’t realize what she was doing at first–I knew tomcats sprayed, but had never experienced it in females before. I thought she was angry at me, or didn’t understand that she was supposed to use her box. Now I know! And if that isn’t unpleasant enough, just *try* to sleep while sharing an apartment with a cat in heat. It’s horrible, both for you *and* the cat. It makes life much easier for both of you if she’s spayed.
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->I have to agree here – it will drive you >absolutely crazy. > You are NOT kidding! Even when I was in my late teens I knew spaying was > important and the first cat I ever got was spayed without hesitation. > When I was in my early twenties I rescued a cat off the street. She was > about 6 months old and should have been spayed right away, but I was > broke, this was a totally unexpected turn of events, and I had to save > up to get her spayed. She went into heat before I got the money > together. After two days and nights <and I’ll never forget this> I was > on the phone to my mom IN TEARS and BEGGING her to please, please, > please lend me the money to get Heidi spayed right away, as by that time > I was a complete basket case from the non stop caterwauling and lack of > sleep.
Bean was an apartment cat, strictly indoor, for the first year or so of her life, and since she wasn’t going outside anyway I didn’t get around to having her spayed until she was over a year old. I’d *never* dealt with cat in heat before, and while she would get really really *friendly* once in a while it didn’t quite dawn on me what was going on. Finally, the day came when she went into a full-blown, yowling-out-the-bathroom-window-at-3-am heat, and I understood what people meant by the phrase, "like a cat in heat." I never wanted to deal with that again. We were both frazzed out wrecks after three full days; she was insatiably horny, I was utterly exhausted. It took another five days for her to settle back down, and off she went to the vet. I knew well enough not to let her get pregnant, but it wasn’t until then that I understood the necessity of spaying even an indoor-only cat. Some lessons get learned the hard way…
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So, if you or the original poster, whoever that may be, spays the cat in question, it will be guaranteed that no offspring from that cat will spend its life in a little box or a cage. That and health benefits the cat receives from being spayed should answer the question with yes, please spay the cat. Annie – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > In the Quarantine they each lived in seperated little boxes. > The other cats were in a big cage…but i think it wasnt big enough for the > number of cats that were in there. > And of course would it be much better if they all would have loving homes > > Sarah, Olie and Nermal > What are the living conditions of the animals in shelters? Are they in > cages? Just by being there, it means there are too many unwanted cats. > Wouldn’t it be better if they all had loving homes? > Annie > > Hi, > > thanks for your answer. > > I just wanted to say that here in Germany they do not kill the animals > in > > the shelters. > > No matter how old they are or if they are sick. > > In the Shelter where we were looking for a kitten they had a Quarantine > with > > about 12 cats. > > They take care of them and wont sell them before they are healthy. > > I am very happy that the laws in Germany are not like in the USA. > > Sarah, Olie & Nermal > > > : hi, > > > : we have a question about spaying our little nermal. > > > : is it necessary ? > > > Yes. It will maket he cat healthier, you won’t have to deal with her > in > > > heat, and (very important) it prevents unwanted "accidents" from > > > happening (for example her getting out and mating). Too many kittens > as is > > > making ti so shelters have to kill a lot (soemtimes even to the point > that > > > a cat sneezes they put it to sleep) so please help by not contributing > to > > > the problem (too many cats) and spay her. > > > Tigress > > > — > > > The root cause of problems is simple overpopulation. People just > aren’t > > > worth very much any more, and they know it. Makes ‘em testy. …Bev > > > | _,,,—,,_ Tigress > > > /,`.-’`’ -. ;-;;,_ http://havoc.gtf.gatech.edu/tigress > > > ’—”(_/–’ `-’_) Cat by Felix Lee.
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hi, we have a question about spaying our little nermal. is it necessary ? nermal will always be a house kitty and wont have the opertunity to meet any male kitties. we heard that the risk goes down for different illnesses when nermal would be spayed. and we heard that when she would go into heat that she would drive us crazy. i dont want nermal to be spayed but my husband thinks it will be better for her. could we have some feedback on this. thanks. sarah, olie and nermal
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: hi, : we have a question about spaying our little nermal. : is it necessary ? Yes. It will maket he cat healthier, you won’t have to deal with her in heat, and (very important) it prevents unwanted "accidents" from happening (for example her getting out and mating). Too many kittens as is making ti so shelters have to kill a lot (soemtimes even to the point that a cat sneezes they put it to sleep) so please help by not contributing to the problem (too many cats) and spay her. Tigress — The root cause of problems is simple overpopulation. People just aren’t worth very much any more, and they know it. Makes ‘em testy. …Bev | _,,,—,,_ Tigress /,`.-’`’ -. ;-;;,_ http://havoc.gtf.gatech.edu/tigress ’—”(_/–’ `-’_) Cat by Felix Lee.
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Hi, thanks for your answer. I just wanted to say that here in Germany they do not kill the animals in the shelters. No matter how old they are or if they are sick. In the Shelter where we were looking for a kitten they had a Quarantine with about 12 cats. They take care of them and wont sell them before they are healthy. I am very happy that the laws in Germany are not like in the USA. Sarah, Olie & Nermal
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > : hi, > : we have a question about spaying our little nermal. > : is it necessary ? > Yes. It will maket he cat healthier, you won’t have to deal with her in > heat, and (very important) it prevents unwanted "accidents" from > happening (for example her getting out and mating). Too many kittens as is > making ti so shelters have to kill a lot (soemtimes even to the point that > a cat sneezes they put it to sleep) so please help by not contributing to > the problem (too many cats) and spay her. > Tigress > — > The root cause of problems is simple overpopulation. People just aren’t > worth very much any more, and they know it. Makes ‘em testy. …Bev > | _,,,—,,_ Tigress > /,`.-’`’ -. ;-;;,_ http://havoc.gtf.gatech.edu/tigress > ’—”(_/–’ `-’_) Cat by Felix Lee.
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> Hi, > thanks for your answer. > I just wanted to say that here in Germany they do not kill the animals in > the shelters. > No matter how old they are or if they are sick. > In the Shelter where we were looking for a kitten they had a Quarantine with > about 12 cats. > They take care of them and wont sell them before they are healthy. > I am very happy that the laws in Germany are not like in the USA. > Sarah, Olie & Nermal
It will still be good to spay her. Heat is a pretty, um, trying condition for all concerned. Also, spaying can greatly reduce chances of certain types of cancer. She’ll be a happier kitty in the long run. Karen
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There are a number of excellent reasons to spay (or neuter) a kitten as soon as it is robust enough (which in my book is a healthy 8 weeks and at least 2 pounds). An unspayed female WILL come into heat promptly at 6 months (if not before) and come in and out of heat (mostly in) throughout the breeding season (which is to say spring-fall and sometimes in the dead of winter). A female in heat will do her level best to get outside to breed — and is likely to succeed in both. What’s more, she will, with all her racket, attract any willing male (and any unsterilized male is more than willing) to your doorstep or windowsill. (You may safely assume this will result in spraying and fighting among these suiters.) A female in heat will not only caterwaul day and night, she will pee inappropriately. A common behavior is pulling down clean towels and annointing them or climbing into the laundrey basket, etc. A female in heat even once is more at risk of developing breast cancer later in life. A female suffering through multiple heats and litters is at high risk. There is no cure. Anyone care to add to the list? I’m afraid I can’t think of a single good reason not to spay or neuter. Sharon Talbert Friends of Campus Cats www.campuscats.org
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Yes, most definitely have her spayed. Diseases of the reproductive tract will be eliminated or minimized – depending upon the various diseases, she will not go into heat – which will drive you nuts (& possibly her, too), & she won’t develop the trait of "marking" – peeing in places to mark as hers (different than a UTI). Cathy — "Staccato signals of constant information…" ("The Boy in the Bubble") Paul Simon
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> hi, > we have a question about spaying our little nermal. > is it necessary ? > nermal will always be a house kitty and wont have the opertunity to meet any > male kitties. > we heard that the risk goes down for different illnesses when nermal would > be spayed. > and we heard that when she would go into heat that she would drive us crazy. > i dont want nermal to be spayed but my husband thinks it will be better for > her. > could we have some feedback on this. > thanks. > sarah, olie and nermal
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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> hi, > we have a question about spaying our little nermal. > is it necessary ? > nermal will always be a house kitty and wont have the opertunity to meet any > male kitties. > we heard that the risk goes down for different illnesses when nermal would > be spayed. > and we heard that when she would go into heat that she would drive us crazy. > i dont want nermal to be spayed but my husband thinks it will be better for > her. > could we have some feedback on this. > thanks. > sarah, olie and nermal
I have to agree with your husband. The risk for different illnesses does go down and the howling, every few weeks for a cats lifetime, may very well drive you crazy. Listening to cats in heat howling outside drives us crazy. Can’t imagine how crazy it would drive us if it were happening in the house as it’s never happened. :c) Why don’t you want Nermal to be spayed? Do you have any specific concerns? Our little Matilda was spayed a week ago to day and apart from a shaved belly and a 1" pencil line incision site, you’d never know she’d "been under the knife." For her, it’s business as usual. Oh my!! <G> Best wishes. Judy & Matilda
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>A female in heat even once is more at risk of developing breast cancer >later in life. A female suffering through multiple heats and litters >is at high risk. There is no cure. >Anyone care to add to the list?
Yes, one more. A female cat that suffers unrelieved heats (meaning without a pregnancy) actually does suffer. Anyone who has been around a cat in heat can see that the cat is not comfortable.
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>I have to agree with your husband. The risk for different illnesses does go >down and the howling, every few weeks for a cats lifetime, may very well >drive you crazy. Listening to cats in heat howling outside drives us crazy. >Can’t imagine how crazy it would drive us if it were happening in the house >as it’s never happened. :c)
I have to agree here – it will drive you absolutely crazy. My mother’s Siamese had one season before she was spayed (her hormones beat the vet to it) and just that one was enough – even the most tolerant human can be driven ever so slightly insane by the sound, I guarantee you! -Helen — "Life’s too short to drink cheap wine…" == Homepages: http://www.yoshiwara.demon.co.uk/helen/index.htm
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What are the living conditions of the animals in shelters? Are they in cages? Just by being there, it means there are too many unwanted cats. Wouldn’t it be better if they all had loving homes? Annie – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Hi, > thanks for your answer. > I just wanted to say that here in Germany they do not kill the animals in > the shelters. > No matter how old they are or if they are sick. > In the Shelter where we were looking for a kitten they had a Quarantine with > about 12 cats. > They take care of them and wont sell them before they are healthy. > I am very happy that the laws in Germany are not like in the USA. > Sarah, Olie & Nermal > : hi, > : we have a question about spaying our little nermal. > : is it necessary ? > Yes. It will maket he cat healthier, you won’t have to deal with her in > heat, and (very important) it prevents unwanted "accidents" from > happening (for example her getting out and mating). Too many kittens as is > making ti so shelters have to kill a lot (soemtimes even to the point that > a cat sneezes they put it to sleep) so please help by not contributing to > the problem (too many cats) and spay her. > Tigress > — > The root cause of problems is simple overpopulation. People just aren’t > worth very much any more, and they know it. Makes ‘em testy. …Bev > | _,,,—,,_ Tigress > /,`.-’`’ -. ;-;;,_ http://havoc.gtf.gatech.edu/tigress > ’—”(_/–’ `-’_) Cat by Felix Lee.
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>I have to agree here – it will drive you >absolutely crazy.
You are NOT kidding! Even when I was in my late teens I knew spaying was important and the first cat I ever got was spayed without hesitation. When I was in my early twenties I rescued a cat off the street. She was about 6 months old and should have been spayed right away, but I was broke, this was a totally unexpected turn of events, and I had to save up to get her spayed. She went into heat before I got the money together. After two days and nights <and I’ll never forget this> I was on the phone to my mom IN TEARS and BEGGING her to please, please, please lend me the money to get Heidi spayed right away, as by that time I was a complete basket case from the non stop caterwauling and lack of sleep. Megan "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." -Edmund Burke Learn The TRUTH About Declawing http://www.stopdeclaw.com Zuzu’s Cats Photo Album: http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumList?u=244574
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In the Quarantine they each lived in seperated little boxes. The other cats were in a big cage…but i think it wasnt big enough for the number of cats that were in there. And of course would it be much better if they all would have loving homes Sarah, Olie and Nermal
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> What are the living conditions of the animals in shelters? Are they in > cages? Just by being there, it means there are too many unwanted cats. > Wouldn’t it be better if they all had loving homes? > Annie > Hi, > thanks for your answer. > I just wanted to say that here in Germany they do not kill the animals in > the shelters. > No matter how old they are or if they are sick. > In the Shelter where we were looking for a kitten they had a Quarantine with > about 12 cats. > They take care of them and wont sell them before they are healthy. > I am very happy that the laws in Germany are not like in the USA. > Sarah, Olie & Nermal > > : hi, > > : we have a question about spaying our little nermal. > > : is it necessary ? > > Yes. It will maket he cat healthier, you won’t have to deal with her in > > heat, and (very important) it prevents unwanted "accidents" from > > happening (for example her getting out and mating). Too many kittens as is > > making ti so shelters have to kill a lot (soemtimes even to the point that > > a cat sneezes they put it to sleep) so please help by not contributing to > > the problem (too many cats) and spay her. > > Tigress > > — > > The root cause of problems is simple overpopulation. People just aren’t > > worth very much any more, and they know it. Makes ‘em testy. …Bev > > | _,,,—,,_ Tigress > > /,`.-’`’ -. ;-;;,_ http://havoc.gtf.gatech.edu/tigress > > ’—”(_/–’ `-’_) Cat by Felix Lee.
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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >Well, assuming you are a cat and not a human, you probably didn’t come >into heat because the breeding season is pretty much over — and you were >lucky, as well. Our Tipsy came into heat promptly at 6 months in January >(and the day before her scheduled surgery). We had delayed Tipsy’s spay >because of our concern about her brain condition (cerebellar hypoplasia). >My point was, there is no good reason to wait until 6 months (or later) to >spay a kitten, as breeding age is reached by 6 months or sooner (one of >our rescue kittens came into heat at 3 months). What’s more, kittens >recover much more quickly from the anesthesia and the surgery than cats. >I’m afraid the adage of waiting for 6 months to spay and 9 months to >neuter is an old vet’s tale. >Just trying to encourage more pet owners to sterilize "early" and avoid >all those unwanted litters that appear every spring and fall. Several of >those are with us now, seeking homes. >Purrs, >Sharon Talbert >Friends of Campus Cats >www.campuscats.org
You are absolutely right, and many cat guardians do not realize that time of the year does affect reproductive cycles. We had a cat spayed at 8 months who had not had a cycle yet–but she would have as soon as the days started getting longer. We learned our lesson with our other cat, who went into heat at 5 months in the spring time, two weeks before she was scheduled to be spayed. Next time we will spay as early as the vet is willing to do it. As you say, there is no reason to wait.
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> I must be the acception. I was spayed last week at the ripe old age p 6.5 > months. I never experienced heat – apart from the body heat my parents give > off.
Well, assuming you are a cat and not a human, you probably didn’t come into heat because the breeding season is pretty much over — and you were lucky, as well. Our Tipsy came into heat promptly at 6 months in January (and the day before her scheduled surgery). We had delayed Tipsy’s spay because of our concern about her brain condition (cerebellar hypoplasia). My point was, there is no good reason to wait until 6 months (or later) to spay a kitten, as breeding age is reached by 6 months or sooner (one of our rescue kittens came into heat at 3 months). What’s more, kittens recover much more quickly from the anesthesia and the surgery than cats. I’m afraid the adage of waiting for 6 months to spay and 9 months to neuter is an old vet’s tale. Just trying to encourage more pet owners to sterilize "early" and avoid all those unwanted litters that appear every spring and fall. Several of those are with us now, seeking homes. Purrs, Sharon Talbert Friends of Campus Cats www.campuscats.org
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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I must be the acception. I was spayed last week at the ripe old age p 6.5 > months. I never experienced heat – apart from the body heat my parents give > off. > Well, assuming you are a cat and not a human, you probably didn’t come > into heat because the breeding season is pretty much over — and you were > lucky, as well. Our Tipsy came into heat promptly at 6 months in January > (and the day before her scheduled surgery). We had delayed Tipsy’s spay > because of our concern about her brain condition (cerebellar hypoplasia). > My point was, there is no good reason to wait until 6 months (or later) to > spay a kitten, as breeding age is reached by 6 months or sooner (one of > our rescue kittens came into heat at 3 months). What’s more, kittens > recover much more quickly from the anesthesia and the surgery than cats. > I’m afraid the adage of waiting for 6 months to spay and 9 months to > neuter is an old vet’s tale.
If you say so. The majority of cats don’t reach sexual maturity until between the ages of 6 and 10 months old. That’s a fact. Certainly some do reach this point sooner but if the owner has half a brain they realize this and wouldn’t allow their furball out unsupervised prior to spaying or neutering. > Just trying to encourage more pet owners to sterilize "early" and avoid > all those unwanted litters that appear every spring and fall. Several of > those are with us now, seeking homes.
I understand what you are saying, but there are many people out there who have chosen a cat as a pet and have no clue as to what’s best for them. They have seen nothing apart from the cute furball. When it comes to the cost of caring for them, they are surprised! They can’t afford them so complain. Encourage people to sterilize early all you want, but when you’re dealing with people who haven’t a clue about cats, you don’t have a chance. Judy
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> There are a number of excellent reasons to spay (or neuter) a kitten as > soon as it is robust enough (which in my book is a healthy 8 weeks and at > least 2 pounds). > An unspayed female WILL come into heat promptly at 6 months (if not > before)
Hmmmmmmmmmmm. I must be the acception. I was spayed last week at the ripe old age p 6.5 months. I never experienced heat – apart from the body heat my parents give off. Matilda
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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi, > thanks for your answer. > I just wanted to say that here in Germany they do not kill the animals in > the shelters. > No matter how old they are or if they are sick. > In the Shelter where we were looking for a kitten they had a Quarantine > with > about 12 cats. > They take care of them and wont sell them before they are healthy. > I am very happy that the laws in Germany are not like in the USA. > Sarah, Olie & Nermal > It will still be good to spay her. Heat is a pretty, um, trying condition > for all concerned. Also, spaying can greatly reduce chances of certain types > of cancer. She’ll be a happier kitty in the long run.
Unspayed females often mark territory with urine, too–I had Miss Bean done after she had "claimed" a bathroom rug, a pair of jeans, the quilt on my bed, and even a plastic grocery bag lying on the floor. I didn’t realize what she was doing at first–I knew tomcats sprayed, but had never experienced it in females before. I thought she was angry at me, or didn’t understand that she was supposed to use her box. Now I know! And if that isn’t unpleasant enough, just *try* to sleep while sharing an apartment with a cat in heat. It’s horrible, both for you *and* the cat. It makes life much easier for both of you if she’s spayed.
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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->I have to agree here – it will drive you >absolutely crazy. > You are NOT kidding! Even when I was in my late teens I knew spaying was > important and the first cat I ever got was spayed without hesitation. > When I was in my early twenties I rescued a cat off the street. She was > about 6 months old and should have been spayed right away, but I was > broke, this was a totally unexpected turn of events, and I had to save > up to get her spayed. She went into heat before I got the money > together. After two days and nights <and I’ll never forget this> I was > on the phone to my mom IN TEARS and BEGGING her to please, please, > please lend me the money to get Heidi spayed right away, as by that time > I was a complete basket case from the non stop caterwauling and lack of > sleep.
Bean was an apartment cat, strictly indoor, for the first year or so of her life, and since she wasn’t going outside anyway I didn’t get around to having her spayed until she was over a year old. I’d *never* dealt with cat in heat before, and while she would get really really *friendly* once in a while it didn’t quite dawn on me what was going on. Finally, the day came when she went into a full-blown, yowling-out-the-bathroom-window-at-3-am heat, and I understood what people meant by the phrase, "like a cat in heat." I never wanted to deal with that again. We were both frazzed out wrecks after three full days; she was insatiably horny, I was utterly exhausted. It took another five days for her to settle back down, and off she went to the vet. I knew well enough not to let her get pregnant, but it wasn’t until then that I understood the necessity of spaying even an indoor-only cat. Some lessons get learned the hard way…
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So, if you or the original poster, whoever that may be, spays the cat in question, it will be guaranteed that no offspring from that cat will spend its life in a little box or a cage. That and health benefits the cat receives from being spayed should answer the question with yes, please spay the cat. Annie – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > In the Quarantine they each lived in seperated little boxes. > The other cats were in a big cage…but i think it wasnt big enough for the > number of cats that were in there. > And of course would it be much better if they all would have loving homes > > Sarah, Olie and Nermal > What are the living conditions of the animals in shelters? Are they in > cages? Just by being there, it means there are too many unwanted cats. > Wouldn’t it be better if they all had loving homes? > Annie > > Hi, > > thanks for your answer. > > I just wanted to say that here in Germany they do not kill the animals > in > > the shelters. > > No matter how old they are or if they are sick. > > In the Shelter where we were looking for a kitten they had a Quarantine > with > > about 12 cats. > > They take care of them and wont sell them before they are healthy. > > I am very happy that the laws in Germany are not like in the USA. > > Sarah, Olie & Nermal > > > : hi, > > > : we have a question about spaying our little nermal. > > > : is it necessary ? > > > Yes. It will maket he cat healthier, you won’t have to deal with her > in > > > heat, and (very important) it prevents unwanted "accidents" from > > > happening (for example her getting out and mating). Too many kittens > as is > > > making ti so shelters have to kill a lot (soemtimes even to the point > that > > > a cat sneezes they put it to sleep) so please help by not contributing > to > > > the problem (too many cats) and spay her. > > > Tigress > > > — > > > The root cause of problems is simple overpopulation. People just > aren’t > > > worth very much any more, and they know it. Makes ‘em testy. …Bev > > > | _,,,—,,_ Tigress > > > /,`.-’`’ -. ;-;;,_ http://havoc.gtf.gatech.edu/tigress > > > ’—”(_/–’ `-’_) Cat by Felix Lee.
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hi, we have a question about spaying our little nermal. is it necessary ? nermal will always be a house kitty and wont have the opertunity to meet any male kitties. we heard that the risk goes down for different illnesses when nermal would be spayed. and we heard that when she would go into heat that she would drive us crazy. i dont want nermal to be spayed but my husband thinks it will be better for her. could we have some feedback on this. thanks. sarah, olie and nermal
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: hi, : we have a question about spaying our little nermal. : is it necessary ? Yes. It will maket he cat healthier, you won’t have to deal with her in heat, and (very important) it prevents unwanted "accidents" from happening (for example her getting out and mating). Too many kittens as is making ti so shelters have to kill a lot (soemtimes even to the point that a cat sneezes they put it to sleep) so please help by not contributing to the problem (too many cats) and spay her. Tigress — The root cause of problems is simple overpopulation. People just aren’t worth very much any more, and they know it. Makes ‘em testy. …Bev | _,,,—,,_ Tigress /,`.-’`’ -. ;-;;,_ http://havoc.gtf.gatech.edu/tigress ’—”(_/–’ `-’_) Cat by Felix Lee.
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Hi, thanks for your answer. I just wanted to say that here in Germany they do not kill the animals in the shelters. No matter how old they are or if they are sick. In the Shelter where we were looking for a kitten they had a Quarantine with about 12 cats. They take care of them and wont sell them before they are healthy. I am very happy that the laws in Germany are not like in the USA. Sarah, Olie & Nermal
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > : hi, > : we have a question about spaying our little nermal. > : is it necessary ? > Yes. It will maket he cat healthier, you won’t have to deal with her in > heat, and (very important) it prevents unwanted "accidents" from > happening (for example her getting out and mating). Too many kittens as is > making ti so shelters have to kill a lot (soemtimes even to the point that > a cat sneezes they put it to sleep) so please help by not contributing to > the problem (too many cats) and spay her. > Tigress > — > The root cause of problems is simple overpopulation. People just aren’t > worth very much any more, and they know it. Makes ‘em testy. …Bev > | _,,,—,,_ Tigress > /,`.-’`’ -. ;-;;,_ http://havoc.gtf.gatech.edu/tigress > ’—”(_/–’ `-’_) Cat by Felix Lee.
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> Hi, > thanks for your answer. > I just wanted to say that here in Germany they do not kill the animals in > the shelters. > No matter how old they are or if they are sick. > In the Shelter where we were looking for a kitten they had a Quarantine with > about 12 cats. > They take care of them and wont sell them before they are healthy. > I am very happy that the laws in Germany are not like in the USA. > Sarah, Olie & Nermal
It will still be good to spay her. Heat is a pretty, um, trying condition for all concerned. Also, spaying can greatly reduce chances of certain types of cancer. She’ll be a happier kitty in the long run. Karen
Response:
There are a number of excellent reasons to spay (or neuter) a kitten as soon as it is robust enough (which in my book is a healthy 8 weeks and at least 2 pounds). An unspayed female WILL come into heat promptly at 6 months (if not before) and come in and out of heat (mostly in) throughout the breeding season (which is to say spring-fall and sometimes in the dead of winter). A female in heat will do her level best to get outside to breed — and is likely to succeed in both. What’s more, she will, with all her racket, attract any willing male (and any unsterilized male is more than willing) to your doorstep or windowsill. (You may safely assume this will result in spraying and fighting among these suiters.) A female in heat will not only caterwaul day and night, she will pee inappropriately. A common behavior is pulling down clean towels and annointing them or climbing into the laundrey basket, etc. A female in heat even once is more at risk of developing breast cancer later in life. A female suffering through multiple heats and litters is at high risk. There is no cure. Anyone care to add to the list? I’m afraid I can’t think of a single good reason not to spay or neuter. Sharon Talbert Friends of Campus Cats www.campuscats.org
Response:
Yes, most definitely have her spayed. Diseases of the reproductive tract will be eliminated or minimized – depending upon the various diseases, she will not go into heat – which will drive you nuts (& possibly her, too), & she won’t develop the trait of "marking" – peeing in places to mark as hers (different than a UTI). Cathy — "Staccato signals of constant information…" ("The Boy in the Bubble") Paul Simon
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> hi, > we have a question about spaying our little nermal. > is it necessary ? > nermal will always be a house kitty and wont have the opertunity to meet any > male kitties. > we heard that the risk goes down for different illnesses when nermal would > be spayed. > and we heard that when she would go into heat that she would drive us crazy. > i dont want nermal to be spayed but my husband thinks it will be better for > her. > could we have some feedback on this. > thanks. > sarah, olie and nermal
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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> hi, > we have a question about spaying our little nermal. > is it necessary ? > nermal will always be a house kitty and wont have the opertunity to meet any > male kitties. > we heard that the risk goes down for different illnesses when nermal would > be spayed. > and we heard that when she would go into heat that she would drive us crazy. > i dont want nermal to be spayed but my husband thinks it will be better for > her. > could we have some feedback on this. > thanks. > sarah, olie and nermal
I have to agree with your husband. The risk for different illnesses does go down and the howling, every few weeks for a cats lifetime, may very well drive you crazy. Listening to cats in heat howling outside drives us crazy. Can’t imagine how crazy it would drive us if it were happening in the house as it’s never happened. :c) Why don’t you want Nermal to be spayed? Do you have any specific concerns? Our little Matilda was spayed a week ago to day and apart from a shaved belly and a 1" pencil line incision site, you’d never know she’d "been under the knife." For her, it’s business as usual. Oh my!! <G> Best wishes. Judy & Matilda
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>A female in heat even once is more at risk of developing breast cancer >later in life. A female suffering through multiple heats and litters >is at high risk. There is no cure. >Anyone care to add to the list?
Yes, one more. A female cat that suffers unrelieved heats (meaning without a pregnancy) actually does suffer. Anyone who has been around a cat in heat can see that the cat is not comfortable.
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>I have to agree with your husband. The risk for different illnesses does go >down and the howling, every few weeks for a cats lifetime, may very well >drive you crazy. Listening to cats in heat howling outside drives us crazy. >Can’t imagine how crazy it would drive us if it were happening in the house >as it’s never happened. :c)
I have to agree here – it will drive you absolutely crazy. My mother’s Siamese had one season before she was spayed (her hormones beat the vet to it) and just that one was enough – even the most tolerant human can be driven ever so slightly insane by the sound, I guarantee you! -Helen — "Life’s too short to drink cheap wine…" == Homepages: http://www.yoshiwara.demon.co.uk/helen/index.htm
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What are the living conditions of the animals in shelters? Are they in cages? Just by being there, it means there are too many unwanted cats. Wouldn’t it be better if they all had loving homes? Annie – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Hi, > thanks for your answer. > I just wanted to say that here in Germany they do not kill the animals in > the shelters. > No matter how old they are or if they are sick. > In the Shelter where we were looking for a kitten they had a Quarantine with > about 12 cats. > They take care of them and wont sell them before they are healthy. > I am very happy that the laws in Germany are not like in the USA. > Sarah, Olie & Nermal > : hi, > : we have a question about spaying our little nermal. > : is it necessary ? > Yes. It will maket he cat healthier, you won’t have to deal with her in > heat, and (very important) it prevents unwanted "accidents" from > happening (for example her getting out and mating). Too many kittens as is > making ti so shelters have to kill a lot (soemtimes even to the point that > a cat sneezes they put it to sleep) so please help by not contributing to > the problem (too many cats) and spay her. > Tigress > — > The root cause of problems is simple overpopulation. People just aren’t > worth very much any more, and they know it. Makes ‘em testy. …Bev > | _,,,—,,_ Tigress > /,`.-’`’ -. ;-;;,_ http://havoc.gtf.gatech.edu/tigress > ’—”(_/–’ `-’_) Cat by Felix Lee.
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>I have to agree here – it will drive you >absolutely crazy.
You are NOT kidding! Even when I was in my late teens I knew spaying was important and the first cat I ever got was spayed without hesitation. When I was in my early twenties I rescued a cat off the street. She was about 6 months old and should have been spayed right away, but I was broke, this was a totally unexpected turn of events, and I had to save up to get her spayed. She went into heat before I got the money together. After two days and nights <and I’ll never forget this> I was on the phone to my mom IN TEARS and BEGGING her to please, please, please lend me the money to get Heidi spayed right away, as by that time I was a complete basket case from the non stop caterwauling and lack of sleep. Megan "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." -Edmund Burke Learn The TRUTH About Declawing http://www.stopdeclaw.com Zuzu’s Cats Photo Album: http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumList?u=244574
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In the Quarantine they each lived in seperated little boxes. The other cats were in a big cage…but i think it wasnt big enough for the number of cats that were in there. And of course would it be much better if they all would have loving homes Sarah, Olie and Nermal
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> What are the living conditions of the animals in shelters? Are they in > cages? Just by being there, it means there are too many unwanted cats. > Wouldn’t it be better if they all had loving homes? > Annie > Hi, > thanks for your answer. > I just wanted to say that here in Germany they do not kill the animals in > the shelters. > No matter how old they are or if they are sick. > In the Shelter where we were looking for a kitten they had a Quarantine with > about 12 cats. > They take care of them and wont sell them before they are healthy. > I am very happy that the laws in Germany are not like in the USA. > Sarah, Olie & Nermal > > : hi, > > : we have a question about spaying our little nermal. > > : is it necessary ? > > Yes. It will maket he cat healthier, you won’t have to deal with her in > > heat, and (very important) it prevents unwanted "accidents" from > > happening (for example her getting out and mating). Too many kittens as is > > making ti so shelters have to kill a lot (soemtimes even to the point that > > a cat sneezes they put it to sleep) so please help by not contributing to > > the problem (too many cats) and spay her. > > Tigress > > — > > The root cause of problems is simple overpopulation. People just aren’t > > worth very much any more, and they know it. Makes ‘em testy. …Bev > > | _,,,—,,_ Tigress > > /,`.-’`’ -. ;-;;,_ http://havoc.gtf.gatech.edu/tigress > > ’—”(_/–’ `-’_) Cat by Felix Lee.
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