Neutering male dogs and cats has a number of benefits.

There are a number of reasons to neuter a male dog or cat. Besides contributing to the pet overpopulation problem if a male dog or cat is allowed to run loose or escapes from the home or yard, male dogs and cats can also develop behavioral and medical problems which can sometimes be averted by neutering the pet.

The community benefits when male dogs and cats are neutered

Neutered male dogs and cats cannot sire puppies and kittens, thereby taking a great deal of pressure off of local pounds and shelters.

Unneutered male dogs and cats can also make a pest of themselves with neighbors if allowed to run loose and frequently fight with one another over territorial issues.

Medical benefits of neutering male dogs and cats

Neutered male dogs and cats have a much lower incidence of certain diseases than un-neutered male dogs and cats. These diseases include:

• certain types of tumors, such as perineal tumors in male dogs
• prostate problems (male dogs)
• testicular cancer

Behavioral benifits of neutering male dogs and cats

There are also a number of behavioral issues that neutering helps to avoid for many male pets.

• Though neutered male cats may still spray urine in the home, the incidence is much lower than in un-neutered male cats.
• Neutered male dogs and cats tend to wander less than those that are not neutered.
• Neutered male dogs and cats tend to fight less than un-neutered males.
• Neutered male dogs usually are easier to train because they are able to focus on training without the distraction of hormonal influences.
• Neutered male dogs and cats may be less aggressive than un-neutered males.

There have been concerns raised over a higher incidence of certain types of cancers being seen in neutered pets. However, the correlation between the development of these cancers and the neutering surgery is unclear at best. There are a variety of other factors which are likely contributing to causing these diseases. When considering the risk of medical and behavioral issues which may occur in un-neutered male cats and dogs and comparing these with the risk of any medical issues arising as a result of the surgery itself, the risks of not neutering the pet still far outweigh any risks inherent with neutering.

There are many good reasons to neuter a male dog or cat. Though the surgery does involve the same risks encountered with any surgical procedure, neutering is generally a safe and routine procedure.