Spaying and Neutering

Cats are incredible companions, but their population can quickly spiral out of control without intervention. A female cat can become pregnant as young as four months old. On average, she can have four kittens per litter and up to four litters per year. Over her lifetime, one unfixed female cat could potentially produce more than 100 kittens. When you factor in the offspring of her kittens, a single cat could be responsible for over 500 new kittens over a span of just seven years.

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  Jump to resources for low-cost solutions.  

 

​​Spaying or neutering your cat is a simple action that can have a massive impact on reducing the number of homeless cats. By fixing one cat, you effectively prevent hundreds of kitten births. Here’s how you can help:

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1. Schedule a Veterinary Appointment: Contact your local veterinarian to book an appointment for spaying or neutering your cat. If the cost of the operation is a barrier to getting it done, check out the low-cost or subsidized programs listed below. Cats Manitoba is actively working towards offering free or low-cost sterilization programs for all Manitobans.

   1.  Winnipeg Human Societies Subsidized Spay and Neuter Assistance Program (or SNAP).

   2. CARE Winnipeg Pet Community Outreach Program, a local non-profit 

2. Educate Yourself and Others: Spread the word about the importance of spaying and neutering. Share facts, like how a single cat can contribute to the birth of hundreds of kittens, to encourage others to take action. See the gallery of images below that can be shared on social media to help spread the word!

3. Help Stray and Feral Cats: If you come across stray or feral cats, consider working with a local Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program. These programs humanely trap cats, have them spayed or neutered, and then return them to their territory to live out their lives without reproducing. Please contact us if you need help finding a program to support.

4. Adopt, Don’t Shop: When adopting a new pet, ensure they are spayed or neutered before bringing them home. Many shelters and rescue organizations include this as part of the adoption process. By paying the adoption fee, which includes the cost of the spay/neuter, you're helping the rescue and reducing the number of stray and feral cats in Manitoba!

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Get all of your cats sterilized, which is the veterinary word for fixed or spayed and neutered. It's not just important for female cats to get fixed. It's just as important to get male cats fixed as well. Benefits of getting your male cats neutered include;

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• Reduced spraying and marking behaviour: Unneutered male cats often spray strong-smelling urine to mark their territory. Neutering significantly reduces or even eliminates this behaviour, making your home cleaner and more pleasant.

• Decreased aggression: Male cats that are not neutered are more likely to be aggressive towards other cats, especially when competing for mates. Neutering can reduce this aggression, leading to a more peaceful coexistence with other pets.

• Lower Risk of Roaming: Unneutered male cats are more likely to roam in search of a mate, which increases their risk of getting lost, injured, or killed by cars. Neutered cats are less likely to wander far from home, keeping them safer.

  • *Disclaimer: Please always keep your cats indoors unless you have a secure catio or they are harness and leash-trained. Never let your cat outside unsupervised.​

• Prevention of Testicular Cancer and Other Health Issues: Neutering eliminates the risk of testicular cancer in male cats and can also reduce the risk of prostate issues and certain types of infections.

• Improved Focus on Humans: Neutered male cats tend to be more affectionate and focused on their human family rather than being preoccupied with seeking out females for mating.

• Reduction of Overpopulation: By neutering your male cat, you help prevent the birth of unwanted kittens, reducing stray and feral cat populations.

• Better Compatibility with Other Pets: Neutered males are often easier to introduce to other pets, as their reduced territorial and mating behaviours make them less likely to engage in conflicts.

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Resources for low-cost spay and neuter solutions:

1. Winnipeg Human Societies Subsidized Spay and Neuter Assistance Program (or SNAP).

2. CARE Winnipeg Pet Community Outreach Program, a local non-profit