Comments on: Do Neutering and Spaying Cause Depression in Pets? No Word Yet, But an Interesting Question

By: Bronwyn

Bronwyn — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 03:26:23 +0000

Over the years, I’ve had 23 cats who lived with me from the time they were babies until they died. I think that I noticed a downturn in my cats’ mood after I had the older ones neutered — at least them much older ones. However, the tendency today is to neuter companion animals long before they come into sexual maturity — kittens, e.g., are neutered with then reach about 2-1/2 pounds (around 2-1/2 months old at most). These kittens have all grown up into happy, bouncy and loving cats. The only thing they think that thing between their legs is for is peeing. My dog, neutered at 3 months) also seems to be happy so long as his supply of rawhide is a big as he wants it to be.

By: Gil

Gil — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 12:18:03 +0000

3 – your suggestion would yield almost no useful data due to the lack of experimental design. For example, you’d be unable to rule out differences among the owner’s relationship with their pets, the local environments, or even feeding differences.

And of course, the snow monkey is likely a better model than cats and dogs if you’re looking at the human implications.

By: Hans

Hans — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 04:52:03 +0000

High minded moralizing falls apart when it has to deal with the dark aspects of life that science has provided help with. Claiming that this is not science is completely false and I expect deep down you know that. Animal research is not all testing perfumes and shampoo. Vaccines and medical procedures require them. Surgeons train on live pigs.

By: PersonalJesus

PersonalJesus — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 23:17:47 +0000

I love the fact that we do unspeakable things to non-consenting animals to research a topic better understood through observation of the actual subject matter. Why not research dogs and cats whose owners have had them spayed or neutered. I have met some that clearly show signs of depression after surgery, and just because an animal does not understand the abstract nature of a surgery does not mean they are not aware of the implications of it. Humans are arrogant and torture our fellow earthlings for the satisfaction of their own ego. Animal abuse is not science. We as humans are 100% dumber and meaner than we think we are.

By: Grannie Cool

Grannie Cool — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 23:16:47 +0000

I have had LOTS of animals in my 50 years as a pet owner. ALL spayed or neutered. I have NEVER seen a single animal – cat or dog – who had an issue with it. And with one female cat who was bleeding to death from her heat, she was THRILLED to have that over with. Most recently I was a bit concerned when I took in a full grown feral male who had sired at least a couple litters. (One of those litters & the mom I also took in.) He was fine with it – didn’t faze him ! I was frankly surprised, but he really doesn’t care at all. He is SO happy to be a loved housecat. I can tell you what DOES cause permanent emotional scars – declawing. I had a rescued (run-away) declawed cat & he was definately NOT OK about it. He had a LOT of emotional, & trust, issues & I’m sure it’s why he ran away from the home where they had mutilated him. I’m glad his last few years with us were happy.

By: Laura

Laura — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 19:50:38 +0000

Clara,

Since you’re interested, here is more information about spaying and neutering effects:

http://www.caninesports.com/SpayNeuter.html

By: Clara

Clara — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 17:34:03 +0000

I have been really curious about how spaying and neutering pets affects them (beyond the reproductive implications). Glad to see at least a little research looking into the question of what (if any) effect such a procedure may have.