Frequently Asked Questions
In order to answer your
questions about life at the Hobo Hotel and to ask a few of our own,
we've created a Frequenty Asked Question section, commonly called a FAQ.
For now, we are limited to reprinting guest vet and great friend to the Hobo Hotel, Dr. Jamie Houston's answers to questions posed in our monthly newsletter.
Once we have a volunteer willing to coordinate a second section, we will post questions and answers about life at the Hobo Hotel and other subjects.
Why Spay and Neuter
Dear Dr. Houston,
I was so relieved to hear that the cancer I had didn't come from not eating five fruits and vegetables a day. My question this month is: why do the people who seem to love kittens so much want to spay and neuter us? We add to the beauty of the world so it seems like people would want more of us instead of fewer.
I was so relieved to hear that the cancer I had didn't come from not eating five fruits and vegetables a day. My question this month is: why do the people who seem to love kittens so much want to spay and neuter us? We add to the beauty of the world so it seems like people would want more of us instead of fewer.
Americans spend millions of dollars each year in our communities to control the unwanted and stray animal population.
In 2006, Calcasieu Parish impounded more than 9,000 and more than 7,000 of those were euthanized. The Humane Society estimates that four to six million animals a year are euthanized in the United States.
Removal of the reproductive organs in the female is termed spay, in the male it is called neuter.
Research indicates that more than 80 percent of dogs struck by cars are not neutered. Having your male neutered will decrease aggressive tendencies, prostatic diseases, roaming behavior and fighting as well as eliminate testicular cancer.
Females who are spayed (prior to first estrous cycle is best) have decreased incident of malignant mammary tumors and estrous cycles and the behavior accompanying the cycles is eliminated. Older females who are not spayed are at high risk of developing a potentially fatal life-threatening uterine infection. Reproductive drive is eliminated in sterilized pets, making them better companions.
Spaying and neutering should not be limited to mixed breed animals. It is estimated that one in four animals impounded are pure breed. The animal birth rate is much higher than the human birth rate, meaning there will never be enough homes. Preventing the births of some animals will save the lives of others.
It is important that we help educate other people on the problem of overpopulation. Not only is it important for your pet's health to be spayed or neutered, it is also important to the community.