Traditional age vs. pediatric spays & neuters in cats : is it worth the wait?

Abstract

The problem of companion animal overpopulation in the United States is a serious issue wrought with multifaceted barriers standing in the way of complete elimination. This paper will focus on surgical sterilization as one means to control over-population. Recent studies estimate that 3 to 4 million cats are euthanized annually and these numbers do not include those unwanted animals that are left to starve or to die of trauma or exposure. One of the main reasons cited for relinquishment of animals to a humane society (36.4%) was that the animals were from an unwanted litter. Traditionally, shelters across the country have adopted animals out with contracts mandating that new owners spay or neuter their pets. Studies have shown that there is less than 60% compliance with this mandate, despite preadoption screening, prepayment of surgical fees, reduced surgical fees, neuter contracts, and follow up activity by shelter personnel. Even in those households that do comply, it can be estimated that many of those cats may wander outside prior to gonadectomy to make their contribution to the overpopulation problem. Just a single pair of cats may be the progenitors of 174,760 kittens in 7 years even if they and their offspring are not allowed to reproduce at full potential.