CThere are those who fear that it will put the animal’s health at risk or cause lasting trauma. Who suspects that it influences their character by making them lazy and makes them gain weight. Again, those who consider the intervention itself an act against nature, tolerable if anything after a first litter. But these they are just clichés about sterilizationwhich is instead a routine surgical procedure highly recommended by vets: an operation that brings significant benefits for the health and longevity of the dog or cat and which is also fundamental on a social level, to combat stray animals. He explains it clearly, on the occasion of the World Animal Sterilization Day (The February 24) Monica Paisextraordinary veterinarian and founder of Effetto Palla ODV. «Caring for an animal it means taking on a responsibility that goes beyond food and cuddles. And sterilization is among the most important choices for his health and his serenity.”
Here are the six good reasons not to put it off. And sterilize our animals without guilt.
1. Less danger, more safety
Cats that have access to the outdoors are often driven by reproductive instincts to travel far from home, sometimes for miles, to find a mate. This behavior exposes them to enormous risks: road accidents, poisoned bait, attacks by dogs or violent clashes with other felines. Sterilization attenuates this uncontrolled drive, drastically reducing dangerous situations.
2. A barrier to infectious diseases
By limiting escapes and territorial fights, the risk of contagion of serious diseases is also lowered. In male cats, for example, it decreases possibility of contracting FIV (feline AIDS), as well as FeLV (feline leukemia), Coronavirus and FIP (feline infectious peritonitis). Many of these diseases are transmitted through bites and aggressive contacts: less fighting means more health.
3. A powerful form of cancer prevention
Sterilizing also means prevention. In males the incidence of testicular tumors and prostate-related disorders and other hormone-sensitive tissues. In females, the intervention protects against breast neoplasms — both benign and malignant — and from ovarian pathologies, as well as avoiding hysterical pregnancies and painful mastitis.
4. Stop pyometra: a risk that can be fatal
With oophorectomy the possibility of developing the pyometraone severe uterine infection which can affect bitches and cats after heat. This condition, favored by changes in the uterus that make it vulnerable to bacteria, can quickly become dangerous for the animal’s life. Prevention is, in this case, saving.
5. Emotional balance and better coexistence
Sterilization also has a positive impact on a behavioral level. Many males show a reduction of aggression and restlessness. In females, a greater one is often observed mood stability thanks to hormonal balance. The result? A more peaceful coexistence with other animals and with the human family.
(Effetto Palla ODV press office)
6. When to intervene?
It usually occurs around six months of age, i.e. after reaching sexual maturity. However, the most suitable moment must be evaluated together with the veterinarian, considering the breed, physical development and behavioral characteristics of the individual subject.
It is a full-fledged surgical operation, but today the Modern techniques are minimally invasive. The absorbable suture materials and safe anesthetic protocols allow for rapid recovery: often after 24 hours the animal is recovering and returns to its normal routine in a few days.
Sterilization as a social choice
Sterilizing is not only a responsible choice that protects the health of our animal but also contributes to combating stray animals, reducing unwanted births and suffering. Just to give an example, a cat if not sterilized can generate a dynasty of 70 thousand puppies in just six years.
Animal rights associations are often involved on this front, generally always sterilizing the animals they give up for adoption but also often have ad hoc initiatives.
The Effetto Palla ODV projects
Effetto Palla ODV has, for example, two historic international projects in Brazil and Cape Verde, in collaboration with local associations, to address the lack of support at state level.
But it also has two in Sardinia with which more than 2,000 animals have been sterilized. Thus, since 2022 in the Municipality of Quartu Sant’Elena (CA) a sterilization campaign has been organized for unrecognized feline colonies and dogs from rural companies. But also of dogs and cats of indigent owners.
