Spay & Neuter

Benefits For Cats

There are 6 key benefits of spaying or neutering your cat:

1. It decreases the risk of uterine infection in female cats.
2. It curbs naughty behaviors, like spraying to mark territory.
3. It may decrease the risk of mammary (breast) cancer.
4. Neutered cats are less likely to stray from home.
5. It reduces the risk of your cat contracting certain diseases.
6. Your cat may become more affectionate.

Benefits For Dogs

There are 5 key benefits of spaying or neutering your dog:

1. It stabilizes the mood of the dog.
2. It reduces marking and spraying issues.
3. It can reduce sexualized behaviors.
4. It reduces the mating urge.
5. It reduces the risk of prostate and other cancers.

Spaying & Neutering FAQs

• Why should I get my cat spayed or neutered?

  Population Control

  According to the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), it is estimated that around 3.2 million cats enter US animal shelters every year.

  The best way for you to help reduce the number of unwanted and stray cats in the Memphis area is by neutering or spaying your feline companion. 

  Protect Wildlife

  It is estimated that cats in the USA kill between 1.4 billion and 3.7 billion birds every year. By helping to keep the numbers of homeless cats to a minimum, you help to save the lives of countless birds and other wildlife.

  Cat Neutering Benefits

  Neutering male cats can help to curb behaviors like indoor spraying, roaming, fighting with other cats and howling. Reducing your cat's temptation to partake in these activities is also liable to help reduce their risk of contracting Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and Feline leukemia virus (FeLV).

  Cat Spaying Benefits

  Female cat spaying before the first heat cycle can help to reduce your cat's risk of developing pyometra (infection of the womb) and mammary tumors. It's also important to note that female cats carrying infectious diseases can pass serious conditions on to their kittens, who may then go on to spread the disease even further. The pregnancy and the birth process can be risky for young cats, and costly to their owners. 

• Why should I get my dog spayed or neutered?

  Population Control

  According to the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), approximately 3.3 million dogs enter shelters every year across the USA.

  Spaying or neutering your dog is the best way for you to help reduce the overall number of unplanned puppies each year while improving your pet's behavior and reducing their risk of some serious health conditions.

  Dog Spaying Benefits

  Spaying your female dog can help to prevent a number of different and serious health issues from arising in the future like mammary cancer and pyometra. 

  Dog Neutering Benefits

  Male dog neutering helps to prevent your pet from developing testicular cancer and can also help reduce unwanted behaviors such as dog aggression, straying and humping. 

• When should I have my pet spayed? What age?

  Pet owners should consult with their veterinarian to determine the best age to spay or neuter their cat or dog. Some research indicates there may be long-term health benefits to spaying or neutering dogs after they have passed through puberty. 

  Many vets recommend that females be spayed before their first heat. That can occur as early as 5 months of age. There is increasing evidence, however, that that may be too young and stops dogs from properly growing and developing.

• What should I know about the recovery process for my pet?

  Spaying

  After spay surgery, some clinics will want to keep your cat or dog overnight, while others will let her go home on the same day. The rule of thumb is generally 7-10 days of restricted activity.  

  Neutering 

  If there are no complications or other health issues, your dog or cat can usually go home on the same day of the procedure, with activity restricted for a few days while the incision heals.

  For both procedures, we may send your pet home with a protective collar to keep them from licking and irritating their incision site. 

  We typically book a follow-up visit to check on how well your pet has healed and to remove the stitches.

• Will my pet feel anything during the procedure?

  No, your pet will be under general anesthesia, and will not feel anything during the procedure.

• Will my pet gain weight after the procedure?

  Your pet will continue to grow until their reach their full adult weight and height after a spay or neuter pracure. This process naturally includes gaining some weight. 

  However, your pet will not gain weight as a result of being spayed or neutered.

• Is this service part of your Pet Wellness Plans?

  Spay/neuter services are not included in Wellness Plans because they are one-time procedures.

  However, if your pet is on a Wellness Plan, you qualify for 10% off the spay/neuter procedure.