Do You Neuter Your Dogs And Cats?

I'm an avid believer in neutering my pets but a friend of mine says that neutering is a form of cruelty and it takes away the animal's dignity.

That kind of sounded silly to me and I told my friend as much but she says she will never neuter any pet she has.

I always thought that doing this to a pet is a form of love but could I be wrong? I'd like to hear everyone's opinion on this.

I think it is important to have this done, I don't think it takes away their dignity but allows them to play freely

That "cruelty" notion is ridiculous. I have heard this view expressed many times, and I've seen what those who adhere to it do to their pets; now, that's cruelty. Letting the cats suffer for weeks when "that time" comes, locking them up - or letting them outside to "satisfy the need" where they get injured or killed.

How could that be considered cruel? I don't get that. I could see if we were just strapping on some rubber bands (ouch!) or something but that is not how it is and actually after a pet is fixed they are often happier and have milder tempers.

I am, like you, an avid believer in having your pets fixed. I think it shows that you do care.

Of course! It's not cruel- it's smart. There are so many unwanted pets running around and in shelters. It's irresponsible to not get them spayed or neutered- if you aren't planning on breeding them.

We just took our kittens to get fixed. $130 fr both of them- cheaper than kittens again!

I believe in having your pets fixed. I can't see how it would be cruel to do that. What was your friends' reasoning? Did she explain why she thought this way?

I'm sorry. I know I ask nosy questions.

I think it is a good thing to do. Spaying or neutering your pet means that your animal and its potential offspring won't contribute to the population of unwanted pets. Further neutering may also reduce the risk of certain health problems, offering you more years with your beloved dog or cat.

My pets are not. I got a couple of pure-bred dogs who have papers.

I currently live in Thailand and there are many street dogs. No one is taking care of them so I think that it is actually somehow correct to neuter them.