Spaying and neutering — one of the most helpful things a person can do for their pet and for the streets in general. But there are so many myths around it that many put off the surgery for years. Let's look at the main ones.
Myth 1. "Let her have a litter at least once — it's healthier"
The opposite is true. Spaying before the first or second heat drastically reduces the risk of mammary tumors — one of the most common fatal diseases in unspayed females. "Once for health" — that's not care, that's unnecessary risk.
Myth 2. "The animal will get fat and lazy"
Fatness comes not from surgery, but from overfeeding and lack of movement. After spaying, metabolism slows down a little — just reduce portions slightly and walk as usual. Activity and temperament stay the same.
Myth 3. "It's against nature / cruel"
What's cruel is when unborn puppies and kittens end up on the street, dying from hunger, disease, and cars. Spaying removes that suffering before it even begins.
Myth 4. "The personality will be ruined"
Only hormone-driven behavior disappears: marking, howling during heat, escape attempts to find a mate, some male-to-male aggression. Attachment to people, playfulness, guarding, intelligence — all of that stays.
Myth 5. "It's a very dangerous operation"
Spaying is a planned, refined procedure honed over decades. With proper preparation and at a good clinic, the risks are minimal, and the animal usually returns to normal life within days.
Myth 6. "Too young / too old already"
The vet picks the age, but "too young" and "too old" are rarer than it seems. Even adult animals are spayed, and they feel better without hormonal swings.
Myth 7. "We keep watch so there's no breeding — that's enough"
One missed heat — and an unplanned litter appears. Then those puppies or kittens have to be placed somewhere too. Spaying solves this question forever.
In short: spaying extends life, eliminates a whole range of diseases, and stops homelessness at the source. If you have doubts — just ask our vet, we'll talk with no pressure.