Animals: Large and Small

When you meet a puppy or kitten for the first time, chances are you're charmed by their personality just as much as their looks. It can seem as though you've found your perfect friend in that moment, but unfortunately, it might not stay that way if you don't have them spayed or neutered. This is why you should consider doing so, even if you don't have a problem with kittens or puppies being born.

Behavioral Problems

One of the biggest problems facing pet owners who don't spay or neuter their pets is behavioral issues. Both cats and dogs tend to be more aggressive when they haven't been fixed. This is because their bodies are still producing reproductive hormones like testosterone and estrogen that can potentially cause their moods to shift. Think of it as like going through puberty again and you'll understand why their attitude is kind of sour!

Cats are also known to sometimes be less affectionate if they aren't spayed or neutered before they reach adulthood. If a cuddly lap cat is what you're after, it's a good idea to have them fixed.

Health Problems

There are health problems that your cat or dog could face that have nothing to do with producing kittens or puppies. Leaving cats and dogs of either gender intact raises their risk of developing certain types of cancers.

You see, when a male pet is neutered, the testicles are removed, and with a female, the uterus is removed. This means that these parts of the body can literally no longer develop cancer. This is especially a big deal for dogs, as dogs are more likely to develop cancer than cats. But don't rest easy if a cat is your chosen pet — when cats do develop cancer, it's often more aggressive than a dog's, and thus harder to beat.

Loss

There's nothing quite as heartbreaking as having a pet disappear. While this risk can be reduced by keeping your pets indoors and not letting them roam, cats and dogs alike have their ways of escaping captivity if only for a moment. Unfortunately, both male and female pets are prone to stray if they're left intact because they have territorial instincts that go into effect, and may be looking for a mate depending on the time of year. Cats and dogs will roam a very long way to find a potential mate, which means that a local search for them could be futile. By having your pet fixed, you reduce this risk as they'll no longer be as territorial, nor will they ever be hunting for a mate.