Responsible cat ownership – knowing when and why to neuter your kitten
July 14, 2023
As any parent knows, there are many difficult responsibilities involved in raising offspring. To carry kittens, give birth and then care for the offspring, it requires female cats to be both physically and emotionally mature. Our Vet Jürgen’s advice on why kittens should not have kittens is listed below. Contact our team today to book your own kitten’s neutering procedure.
Four reasons why kittens shouldn’t have kittens:
1. Physical immaturity
Kittens are not physically mature enough to carry and give birth to healthy kittens. Their bodies are still developing, and pregnancy/birth can be physically demanding and dangerous for them. Jürgen says that unfortunately, many kittens can experience complications during pregnancy or birth. Examples of these are difficulty delivering, dangerous infections or even death. The best way to ensure your own kitten stays safe is to have them neutered by our team at Edgewood Vets.
2. Emotional immaturity
Kittens are emotionally immature and may not have the necessary maternal instincts to care for their offspring. They may not know how to nurse their kittens or keep them warm, clean, and safe. This can lead to malnourishment, sickness and even death for the kittens. Jürgen believes that neutering your kitten early on avoids unwanted pregnancies and allows your kitten to enjoy their young months, rather than risking their lives birthing offspring they may not know how to keep alive.
Contact our team today to find out when is the right time to neuter your kitten.
3. Cat overpopulation
Allowing kittens to have kittens can contribute to overpopulation, which can lead to a number of issues such as overcrowded animal shelters, euthanasia of healthy cats and the spread of feline diseases in Essex.
4. Responsibility
Kittens are still learning and adapting to their environment and having kittens can be too overwhelming for them. They need time to adjust and focus on their own growth and development before taking on the responsibility of caring for another life. In conclusion, it’s best to “let kittens be kittens” and as part of responsible cat ownership, it’s important to neuter your kitten to prevent unwanted litters and ensure the health and wellbeing of your own pets.
To discuss pet neutering with Jürgen and Edgewood Vets’ team, contact us today.
