Dear Tazi:
My husband and I are having a disagreement, and since it
involves our cat we thought we should ask you to offer a solution. “Roger” and I have adopted the most adorable
tabby cat I have ever seen. I love him
so much, and am so afraid of anything bad happening to him. I do not want to let him outside, but I know
that he will eventually want to explore what you call the wide world beyond the
fence. In order to keep “Tigger” from
wandering I would like to have him neutered.
I think this step would be in his best interest, but Roger is adamantly
opposed to the idea. He claims that
neutering is not necessary and is demeaning to the animal.
Tazi, you have mentioned in the past that you are
neutered. Do you or your Mommie regret
having this operation done? Can you
educate my husband on the importance of neutering pets?
Signed,
Tigger’s Mommy
Dear Tigger’s Mommy:
I had no say in my operation; I was a rescue cat and by law I needed to be neutered. I was “fixed” before I reached sexual maturity, so I really do not miss my testicles one bit. I do wish that Mommie had sprung for the extra cost of laser surgery/vasectomy as opposed to full castration, but that is only because people now think I am a girl. I think this might be what Roger means when he says neutering is demeaning to the animal. Because I have been “altered” I cannot be entered into cat shows, either. I, however, have this column as a way to share my beauty with the world!
I had no say in my operation; I was a rescue cat and by law I needed to be neutered. I was “fixed” before I reached sexual maturity, so I really do not miss my testicles one bit. I do wish that Mommie had sprung for the extra cost of laser surgery/vasectomy as opposed to full castration, but that is only because people now think I am a girl. I think this might be what Roger means when he says neutering is demeaning to the animal. Because I have been “altered” I cannot be entered into cat shows, either. I, however, have this column as a way to share my beauty with the world!
In a more serious vein, neutering (or spaying) your pet is
one of the best things you can do for them!
Not only do you eliminate the potential for reproductive cancers; you
eliminate the potential that your pet will reproduce, adding to them stray
animal problem in your community. The
tortures of being a stray animal are far worse than the temporary discomfort of
sterilization surgery.
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| Me in Atlantic City, just chillin' with my feral peeps! |
Other potential benefits from neutering your male cat should
be attractive to both you and your husband.
Neutered cats do not wander nearly as much or as often as un-neutered cats – we have no reason to chase after the ladies – nor do we spray as much,
since we do not feel the need to act as competitive as an un-neutered cat. Neutered cats are also much less aggressive
than un-neutered cats, around both humans as well as other cats. A neutered Tigger will be much less likely to
challenge Roger for the role of dominant male of the house!
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| Write-In "Tazi for President" in 2012! |
In short, unless you are planning on breeding Tigger, I see
no reason why he should not be neutered.
The lady cats love neutered males!
Snuggles,
Tazi
Ask Tazi! is ghostwritten by a human with a Bachelors of Arts in Communications. Tazi-Kat is not really a talking feline.
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