I’m thinking of getting a dog or a cat and would like to know about the benefits of neutering pets?

Spaying and neutering pets helps reduce over-population and the number of unwanted pets. Most importantly, it helps pets live longer and healthier lives. Here’s a few basic facts to consider:

• A neutered tomcat is less likely to roam, less likely to fight (and less likely to cost you money patching him up) and less likely to spray urine to mark his territory. He's more likely to live longer, because the cat that’s looking for a mate is really looking for trouble. If a car doesn't get him, infectious disease (spread by fighting or mating) or cancer could.

• A spayed female cat is a more attentive and loving pet because her energy isn't constantly directed toward finding a mate (cats are in heat nearly all the time until they become pregnant). If you spay your cat, you protect her from some cancers and infections, as well as sexually transmitted diseases.

• A neutered male dog retains his playfulness and friendliness. The behaviors that change are far less desirable. The interest in roaming is eliminated by 90 percent, aggressive behavior against other male dogs by 60 percent, urine marking by 50 percent and inappropriate mounting by 70 percent. Activity level and appetite remain unchanged, so male dogs shouldn’t gain weight or become less interested in playing.

• A spayed female dog no longer goes into heat every eight months or so. No more bloody discharge or offensive odors. Those spayed before their first heats will have a almost zero chance of developing mammary cancer.

Neutering and spaying are the everyday terms for the surgical sterilization of a pet. The technical terms for the operations are ovariohysterectomy for females and castration for males.

Spaying involves the removal of the female's entire reproductive system: the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries are taken out through an incision in the abdomen. Absorbable sutures do not need to be removed. Recovery is fast, taking usually seven days, during which time you should limit your cat or dog’s activities – no jumping or boisterous activities.

In neutering, the male testicles are removed through incisions in the scrotum, the pouch holding the testicles. The skin incision may or may not have stitches. Post-operative care normally involves keeping the incisions clean and dry. Cats should be kept inside and use crystal litter instead of regular litter until the incisions close, which is usually three to five days. Keep neutered males separated from in-heat females for one to two weeks after surgery, as sperm in the neutered male’s system could still impregnate females.

Puppies and kittens can be spayed and neutered after six months, once they have completed their vaccinations. It’s best to spay and neuter pets before they go into the first heat (usually five to seven months). Surgery for males is less complicated than for females and can be safely neutered after five months.

Need advice from METRO's pet expert? E-mail your questions to metrobeijing@chinadaily.com.cn. Answers supplied by the International Center for Veterinary Services in Chaoyang district. Contact them on (+8610) 8456-1939 or visit icvsasia.com.