Neutering refers to the removal of an animal’s reproductive organs, which are the testes in males (castration), and the ovaries and uterus in females (spaying). Sterilising your pet prevents the birth of unwanted litters, which overpopulate the number of cats ending up in the rescue system. As cats reach sexual maturity early, it is best
Cats reach sexual maturity between four and 12 months, but unlike hooman females, queens do not have an oestrus ‘cycle’ as such. Estrus, the time at which they are receptive to mating, is rarely accompanied by any swelling of the vulva or discharge. In the Northern hemisphere, felines are likely to be ready to mate
Dogs reach sexual maturity between six and 24 months, and like hooman females, dams have an oestrus cycle. This completes fully approximately twice a year, and there are four stages. The first of these is proestrus, lasting an average of nine days. The sire is attracted to the dam, but she is non-receptive. She may
