To relay that message to the general public, CFA has produced bumper stickers and public service announcements for radio. These announcements and bumper stickers encourage the neutering and spaying of cats and promote responsible animal care. Surgical altering is the only foolproof and permanent method of birth control for cats. A spay is the surgical removal of the uterus and ovaries of a female animal. A female cat's risk of getting mammary cancer is reduced when it is spayed before its first heat cycle.
Neutering is the surgical removal of the testicles of a male animal.
Neutering a male cat generally prevents the development of mating behavior such as spraying urine to mark territory. This policy is endorsed by the American Humane Association, American Veterinary Medical Association, Spay USA, American Animal Hospital Association, Winn Feline Foundation, CFA and other animal organizations. This will ensure that all kittens from shelters are altered prior to leaving the shelter, thus eliminating the need for contracts and follow up. We must continue to insist that local shelters and animal control agencies alter all cats prior to adoption or require a written sterilization agreement. Improvement in this area will have a great impact on reducing a major source of the shelter population.