Just wondering- people should get their cats 'fixed' so they can't have kittens, but soon won't the cat population die down until there are barely any cats except for strays?
I hope this makes sense...I was just wondering
thanks
-MC
The point is to control the population so that only cat breeders can have kittens. There are too many abandoned pets in shelters; a cat owner who is unprepared to take care of kittens will only add to that.
It makes sense -- but I'm sure there are enough people who don't get their cats fixed -- or get them fixed after they've borne a litter or two -- to keep the cat population flourishing.
Alright, thanks for explaining guys...I was just worried because I have my own cat fixed!
-MC
You're welcome. And if you want another cat, you might adopt a stray. :-)
Ah, yes. Please adopt a rescue animal. I only adopt older rescue animals because otherwise they won't have a home. I absolutely trust the rescue group from which I get them. With so many foreclosures of homes and people out of work, consider fostering as well, if you can.
Sra
Your question makes sense, and it's understandable to wonder about the long-term effects of spaying and neutering cats on the overall cat population. Spaying is the surgical procedure conducted on female cats to remove their reproductive organs, while neutering refers to the same procedure performed on male cats. These surgeries are often recommended because they offer several benefits, including preventing unwanted litters and certain health issues. However, it's important to note that spaying and neutering cats do not lead to the complete eradication of the cat population.
While spaying and neutering can reduce the number of kittens being born, it does not eliminate all feline reproduction. There will always be some portion of the cat population that remains intact and capable of reproducing. Additionally, strays, feral cats, and outdoor cats that are not spayed or neutered can continue to reproduce and contribute to the overall cat population.
The primary goal of spaying and neutering programs is to control and minimize the cat population, especially in areas where there is a high number of stray cats. By spaying and neutering cats, the population can be managed more effectively to reduce the likelihood of overpopulation, suffering, and the spread of diseases among cats.
It's also worth mentioning that owning a pet involves responsibility, and ensuring that cats are spayed or neutered helps prevent unwanted litters and the consequent challenges of finding homes for the kittens. Spaying and neutering contribute to the overall welfare of cats and reduce the burden on animal shelters and rescue organizations.
So, to answer your question, spaying and neutering will not cause the cat population to die down to the point where there are barely any cats left. It helps manage the population and control the number of unwanted or stray cats, promoting their well-being and the responsible ownership of pets.