Why Neutered Animals Live Longer
The obvious benefit of neutering a pet is that it prevents the animal from breeding, but neutering can also help your pet live a longer healthier life. Here's how:
- Surgical removal of the ovaries and uterus eliminates the chance of a female developing cancer of the ovaries and infections of the uterus. When this surgery is preformed before the animal is one year old, it also reduces the risk of breast cancer.
- Neutering male dogs and cats-which entails removal of the testicles- at six months of age makes the animal less likely to roam in order to find mates or fight with other males.
- In addition, neutering a male eliminates the possibility of cancer of the testicles and greatly reduces the incidence of prostate disease.
If you need low cost veterinary care or spay/neuter, please contact one of the following:
Potter League for Animals (Pets in Need): 401-270-3832
Rhode Island SPCA Animal Health Center 401-228-3333 or 401-228-3313
Spay/Neuter Only:
Potter League for Animals Spay/Neuter Clinic: 401-369-7297
Salmon River Mobile Vet: 401-793-0092 (spay/neuter for cats only)
Emergency off hours veterinary care:
Warwick Animal Hospital: 401-785-2222
Injured or Orphaned Wildlife:
Wildlife Rehabilitators Association of RI: 401-294-6363
Injured or Orphaned Sealife:
Mystic Aquarium: 860-572-5955 ext. 107
Potter League for Animals (Pets in Need): 401-270-3832
Rhode Island SPCA Animal Health Center 401-228-3333 or 401-228-3313
Spay/Neuter Only:
Potter League for Animals Spay/Neuter Clinic: 401-369-7297
Salmon River Mobile Vet: 401-793-0092 (spay/neuter for cats only)
Emergency off hours veterinary care:
Warwick Animal Hospital: 401-785-2222
Injured or Orphaned Wildlife:
Wildlife Rehabilitators Association of RI: 401-294-6363
Injured or Orphaned Sealife:
Mystic Aquarium: 860-572-5955 ext. 107
For spay/neuter assistance call the veterinarians listed on the 24/7 VSA helpline 401-273-0358 or email VSA at [email protected]
What You Need to Know About Cats and Overpopulation
Not only is it good for your cat, it’s the law! In Rhode Island, cats six months of age or older must be spayed or neutered. By spaying or neutering your cat, you not only give her/him a healthier, happier life, but you also prevent the births of unwanted kittens.
• Cat overpopulation is a huge problem in Rhode Island, leading to cat homelessness, unwanted kittens and euthanasia. People who allow their cats to have kittens contribute to that problem.
• Cats are sexually mature at five to six months of age, and begin reproducing at that time.
• Having a litter of kittens does not improve the happiness, temperament or health of a cat. In fact, a problem pregnancy or delivery can cause serious medical problems and a large vet bill.
• Cats have a life span of about 15 to 20 years, and remain playful for most of their lives. They need loving owners who can make a long-term commitment to them.
• Cats need clean litter pans and prefer kitty litter without deodorants in it. The pan should be located where the cat will feel safe using it. By gently tipping the cat litter pan, you can separate and remove the soiled litter from the clean litter. This should be done at least once a day. A cat who still doesn’t us the clean litter pan may have a medical problem and should see a veterinarian.
• Female cats and dogs are at risk for ovarian or mammary cancers if not spayed. Male cats and dogs are at risk for testicular cancer.
• There are many abandoned cats in our neighborhoods that need someone to help them. We can help you to help them.
IF YOU NEED HELP WITH YOUR CAT, OR A STRAY CAT, OR WOULD LIKE TO FIND OUT ABOUT VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES, CONTACT VSA.
Not only is it good for your cat, it’s the law! In Rhode Island, cats six months of age or older must be spayed or neutered. By spaying or neutering your cat, you not only give her/him a healthier, happier life, but you also prevent the births of unwanted kittens.
• Cat overpopulation is a huge problem in Rhode Island, leading to cat homelessness, unwanted kittens and euthanasia. People who allow their cats to have kittens contribute to that problem.
• Cats are sexually mature at five to six months of age, and begin reproducing at that time.
• Having a litter of kittens does not improve the happiness, temperament or health of a cat. In fact, a problem pregnancy or delivery can cause serious medical problems and a large vet bill.
• Cats have a life span of about 15 to 20 years, and remain playful for most of their lives. They need loving owners who can make a long-term commitment to them.
• Cats need clean litter pans and prefer kitty litter without deodorants in it. The pan should be located where the cat will feel safe using it. By gently tipping the cat litter pan, you can separate and remove the soiled litter from the clean litter. This should be done at least once a day. A cat who still doesn’t us the clean litter pan may have a medical problem and should see a veterinarian.
• Female cats and dogs are at risk for ovarian or mammary cancers if not spayed. Male cats and dogs are at risk for testicular cancer.
• There are many abandoned cats in our neighborhoods that need someone to help them. We can help you to help them.
IF YOU NEED HELP WITH YOUR CAT, OR A STRAY CAT, OR WOULD LIKE TO FIND OUT ABOUT VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES, CONTACT VSA.
