Mom says no to spay/neuter

[petsbestern]

Ps. The bunny room and outdoor run were supposed to be a puppy room and outdoor run, but I was begging for another pet and my parents said they weren't ready for a dog yet, so we got the bunny instead, and the bunny got the nice room and run!

[moosmom]

Petsbestern,

You mother is doing a great disservice to both pets. Spaying/neutering let your pets live longer without the threat of cervical/uterine cancer. My cat developed pyometria (yours will too eventually). It's a uterine infection that can kill the cat and any babies she gets pregnant with. Shorty, my Muchkin, was spayed and the problem is gone.

I hope your mom will listen. She got some wonderful advice here. There are far too many unwanted, abandoned and abused cats out there, and the problem is NOT going to go away. It's only going to get worse. She's not making it any better, only adding to the problem.

[Edwina's Secretary]

If a doctor said to your parents, "You child needs to have her tonsils taken out. It will greatly increase the quality of her life. She will be sick less and she will be more comfortable." Would a parent say "no"? Same for removing wisdom teeth. Neither are life-threatening situation but involve the removal of body part to improve the quality of life and the parent or cargiver making the decision on behalf of the child.

[aly]

You have only addressed one reason - the overpopulation problem. What does your mom say about the sickness and the uncomfrtable feelings when the cat will be in heat? Even if they don't see another cat, the urge will still be there. Everyone has given such great advice. Did your mother not even consider it? Can she talk to the vet about it?

[2kitties]

You said you all take your animals to the vet often. Possibly you could privately ask your vet to discuss the benefits of neutering with you mother. You mother may respect an educational conversation with the doctor.

Spaying and neutering is the KINDEST thing a pet owner can do for their animals.

[ramanth]

It's very nice that you've made a room specifically for your bunny and kitten. Not everyone has that opportunity.

But own room or not... an un spayed female will yowl. And it's not a cute little meow. It's loud and annoying and they off course howl at all hours of the night when you are trying to sleep.

Before I got my female cat fixed, she was in heat for two weeks straight. She howled all night, every night. I can't imagine anyone voluntarily living with an animal that does that.

And males spray. Females can spray too. That kitty room will reek to high heaven.

In a year or two, perhaps your mom will understand.