Altering, sterilizing, and neutering all refer to surgery that removes the reproductive organs of either a male or female animal, and the procedure is the same whether you have a cat or a dog. Castration, also called a gonadectomy, removes a boy s testicles, while an ovariohysterectomy, or spay surgery, removes the girl's ovaries and uterus. Most pet owners are not prepared to live with the aggravating behavior of sexually intact cats and dogs. Whole male cats tend to spray pungent urine about the house to announce their macho status. They roam seeking romance, and indulge in aggressive battles with other felines, which can result in high veterinary bills to patch up their injuries.
Dogs are able to produce a litter twice a year.
The surgery reduces male leg-lifting against walls and bedspreads, embarrassing mounting behavior, roaming, and fights. Female dogs also roam in search of canine Romeos, and produce a messy discharge while in heat that can stain furniture and carpeting. Neutering stems the pet s ardor, averts nuisance behavior, and prevents motherhood. It also improves pet health by preventing fight wounds, eliminating uterine infections and testicular cancer. It can even reduce the risk of mammary cancer by seven times.