Neutering to prevent disease
Neutered animals will be in better condition and therefore healthier than entire animals which is another good reason to neuter as many animals as possible.
Neutered males fight less and are therefore less likely to suffer from bite wounds or be involved in road traffic accidents.
Neutered cats are less likely to be exposed to and spread Feline Leukaemia (FeLV) and Feline Aids (FIV).

Diseased animals

Ill animals may need to be confined so that treatment can be given. If the animal involved is old and/or feral, then you will need to consider the mental stress to the animal, the cost of treatment, the difficulties of giving nursing care and the likelihood of recovery. In discussion with your veterinarian, you may decide that it is not in the best interest of this particular animal to be treated but to consider euthanasia instead.

Special considerations for feral cats
Special conditions apply to the neutering of feral cats, because of the difficulty of re-trapping them if they need to be seen again.
Everything needs to be done at the same time: surgery, ear-tipping and treatment of any additional disease, dentistry problems and/or wounds. Ideally endo and ectoparasite treatment and vaccination should be considered as well. The vet must also be prepared to carry out euthanasia in some cases.

Useful advice on diseases in cats can be found on the International Cat Care website: www.icatcare.org

Useful advice on diseases in dogs can be found on the Dog’s Trust website under dog A-Z: www.dogstrust.org.uk

“If the animal involved is old and/or feral, you need to consider the stress to the animal, the cost of treatment, the difficulties of giving nursing care and the likelihood of recovery.”