Is it really important that I get my cat neutered or spayed?

Yes, absolutely you should neuter or spay your kitten. For male cats, neutering removes obnoxious hormones that might lead your cat to become more aggressive and territorial (which means he is more likely to spray or “mark” the house.) Male cat urine of neutered males is free of the very strong, house permeating odorous urine associated with whole (not neutered males.) For females, there is a high risk of pyometra (uterine infection) if they are not spayed. Pyometra is where the uterus fills with pus and other noxious, bloody fluids. It is extremely painful for the female cat, and can often be fatal. I recommend male cats to be neutered between 6 to 8 months of age and females to be spayed by 8 months.