should I get my 2 male cats fixed?

I have two male adopted cats, the youngest is about 1 year old and the older one is about 2 or 2 and a half. I am not sure their exact ages.

I'm fighting with myself on wether I should get them fixed or not.

The problem being is that it would cost over $200 to get them fixed. If it is the right thing to do I would not think twice about it, but if not then I wouldn't have to spend the money I don't have.

We don't have to worry about them getting our female cat pregnant because she is fixed and so is our other male cat.

My grandmother also told me that male cats usually wont run away when they are fixed, and that is another thing I am thinking about.

I don't know if there are any medical problems associated with them not getting fixed, but I would like to know if there was.

so...should I? or shouldn't I?

Spay & Neuter

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WHEN AND WHY SHOULD I SPAY or NEUTER MY KITTY ?
FELINE SPAY
Ovariohysterectomy
Removal of the ovaries and uterus FELINE NEUTER
Castration
Removal of the testicles and spermatic cord
* Ideal age is 4-6 months, but very beneficial even if your kitty is older * Ideal age is 4-6 months, but very beneficial even if your kitty is older
* Cats have a less than 1% chance of developing breast cancer if spayed before the first heat cycle * Eliminates the risk of testicular cancer
* If spayed after one heat cycle, kitty has an 8% chance of developing breast cancer * Greatly reduces the risk of prostate cancer and prostatitis
* If spayed after two heat cycles, the risk increases to 26% * Reduces the risk of perianal tumors
* After two years, no protective benefit exists against breast cancer * Reduces roaming and fighting
* Kitties with diabetes or epilepsy should be spayed to prevent hormonal changes that may interfere with medication * Eliminates or reduces spraying (territorial marking)
* Eliminates the risk of ovarian and uterine cancer * Eliminates the risk and spread of sexually transmitted diseases
* Eliminates unwanted pregnancies * Eliminates unwanted litters


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COMMON MYTHS

SPAYING AND NEUTERING YOUR PET DOES NOT:

* Cause laziness or hyperactivity

* Reduce your pet's instinct to protect your family and home

* Cause immature behaviors

* Postpone or delay normal behavioral maturity

* Alter your pet's personality in any manner

Your vet and his staff will be happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have about spaying or neutering your pet. Please do not hesitate to discuss your concerns, and please do not hesitate to inform and educate yourself and others about the benefits of spaying and neutering.



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"EXCUSES, EXCUSES......."

COMMON EXCUSES FOR NOT SPAYING or NEUTERING

* "My pet will get fat or lazy"

Spaying or neutering may diminish your pet's activity level because the natural tendency to wander is diminished. Pets who become overweight after spaying or neutering are usually those that are over-fed and not encouraged to exercise. It's up to you to ensure proper diet and exercise for your pet to reduce the chance of becoming overweight.

* "My pet's personality will change"

Altering actually decreases aggressive or dominant behaviors and will also help reduce roaming or wandering tendencies, which is, of course, much safer for your pet

* "I want my children to witness the 'miracle of birth' "

Any unnecessary intrusions during pregnancy and birthing can cause a great deal of stress on a mother kitty, thereby increasing the potential for her to neglect her newborn litter. Agressive behaviors can also stem during pregnancy and birth and possibly cause injury to children. Educate your children through literature, and allow them to visit or tour veterinary hospitals, zoos, and other animal related outlets to give them a sense of the facts of life and a sense of responsibility. Teaching begins with YOU, please be responsible

* "We can make money by selling kittens/puppies"

Even the most educated, experienced, and caring breeders are lucky if they can "break even" when dealing with the costs of stud fees, vaccinations, pet food costs, unexpected emergencies, and other health care costs. Please leave breeding to those responsible, professional breeders who care about the breeds and also try to improve the standard of the breeds they raise

* "I'm concerned about my pet undergoing anesthesia"

Although there are risks with ANY surgery or procedure that involves anesthesia, the anesthetics currently used by vets are very safe. Pre-surgical blood screen tests are also available to determine your pet's candidacy for anesthesia (and also determines liver and kidney function). Most vets use monitoring equipment that monitors the heart and respiratory rates of your pet during the course of anesthesia. Please discuss your concerns with your vet and he will be happy to help you in understanding the procedure, what's involved and the benefits



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AN UNFORTUNATE REALITY

More than 4 MILLION pets are euthanized in U.S animal shelters and humane societies each year simply because not enough homes are available. Many are kittens and puppies less than 6 months old. Help stop this needless loss of life.
Please do your part,

SPAY OR NEUTER YOUR PET !



A CAT'S PRAYER

I ask for the priveledge of not being born.....
not to be born until you can assure me
of a home and a master to protect me,
and the right to live as long as
I am physically able to enjoy life.....
not to be born until my body is precious
and men have ceased to exploit it
because it is cheap and plentiful.

author unknown



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OUR FAVORITE SPAY and NEUTER LINKS

SPAY / USA
1-800-248-SPAY
(A list of veterinarians who participate in discounts for spaying and neutering)

FRIENDS OF ANIMALS
1-800-321-PETS

With fixing animals? Here in the U.S? we have spay usa , it is a low cost spay, neuter service for animals. I payed $25 to fix my male, and I would suggest it for the smell that will come sooner than later.

If you are worried about the price, perhaps contact a Humane Society in your area to find out about low cost spay/neuter clinics. They are usually more than happy to help out in this matter - reduces the amount of pets that they ultimately take in!

You are doing your boys a great service to have them neutered. They may get along now, but over time, their territorial instincts will create complete havoc in your household. Please get it done before that happens!

Hi Shimmer -
The answer to your question of whether or not you should neuter is a big YES!!!! The US does not have the corner on feline overpopulation - it is worldwide, and from what I've read, an enormous problem in Australia as well. You can not 100% guarantee that your cats would never get outside, so please have them neutered.

For an enlightening and emotional read on the subject, please see the thread in this forum titled "Is neutering a must?" by subtle.