6 Benefits of Neutering Female Dogs and Cats

6 Benefits of Neutering Female Dogs and Cats


The procedure reduces the risk of tumors, uterine infections and cancer, as well as helping in population control

Neutering is a procedure that offers numerous health benefits to pets. In female dogs and cats, removal of the ovaries and uterus significantly reduces the risk of mammary cancer and prevents uterine infections such as pyometra.




According to veterinarian Thiago Henrique Carvalho de Souza, coordinator of the Veterinary Medicine course at the Faculdade Anhanguera de Itabuna, castration can also have a positive effect on the animal’s behavior. “Castrated females, whether dogs or cats, do not go into heat, which prevents behaviors associated with this period, such as excessive meowing and agitation,” he emphasizes.

Best age for castration

According to the specialist, the ideal age for castration can vary, but, traditionally, it is recommended for dogs and cats are neutered between seven and nine months. He notes that, in some situations, early neutering—between four and five months—may be indicated, especially for population control in shelters.

“It is important to discuss with your veterinarian the best time to neuter your pet, considering the breed, size and general health. Recovery from the procedure is quite simple and, because it is a common procedure in clinical practice, it has become very safe in clinical practice.” terms of anesthesia and asepsis After the hair grows out, the scar becomes virtually imperceptible,” she adds.

Benefits of neutering female dogs and cats

Below, veterinarian Thiago Henrique Carvalho de Souza lists some of the main benefits of neutering female dogs and cats. Check it out!

1. Breast Cancer Prevention

Early castration dramatically reduces the risk of mammary tumors in females. If performed before the first heat, it increases the possibility of developing malignant tumors decreases significantly. This type of cancer is common in unsterilized women and can be fatal.

2. Prevention of uterine infections (pyometra)

Pyometra is a serious and potentially fatal infection that affects unspayed females, especially older ones. Castration completely eliminates the risk because the uterus is removed during the procedure.



Castration eliminates the risk of uterine and ovarian cancer, protecting the female in old age.

3. Prevention of uterine and ovarian cancer

Removal of the uterus and ovaries during castration eliminates the risk of cancer in these organs, protecting women from diseases that may appear in old age.

4. Population control

Neutering helps prevent unwanted litters, helping reduce overpopulation of animals. This is essential for the well-being of both pets and to prevent puppies from being abandoned or sent to shelters.

5. Behavior

Neutered females tend to have calmer behaviors, as they no longer go into heat. This can reduce unwanted behaviors such as:

  • Marking the territory: although more common in malessome females may mark their territory even during heat;
  • Aggressione: Some females may become aggressive during heat, which can be controlled by castration.

6. Prevention of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)

Castration also helps prevent the transmission of diseases between animals, such as brucellosis, which can be transmitted during mating.

By Deiwerson Damasceno dos Santos

Source: Terra

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