The Veterniary Hospital recommends neutering dogs and cats, male and female, once they reach maturity at around 6 months old. Neutering should not change a pets character, nor should it make them fat, although they do require less food once they have been neutered.

Why you should neuter your cat

Female cats come on heat at least every three weeks. During this stage they are restless, may miaow loudly and roll around, appearing to be in pain. Drugs to suppress heat are available but there is a risk of side effects.
Recurrent heats may distress your pet, but they can be stopped by spaying. In addition, spaying prevents womb infections later in life and reduces the risk of breast cancer. A cat does not need to have had a litter first.
The operation is usually done at around five to six months of age and can also be performed on cats in early pregnancy.

Male cats should also be neutered at five to six months in order to minimise the risk of contracting the cat form of AIDS (FIV) from fighting. Cats that have not been neutered are also more likely to spray in the house (which smells strongly) and behave aggressively.

In both cases the operation is straightforward and your pet will usually return home the same day. Female cats have a patch of hair shaved, either on the flank or the belly. Recovery is rapid usually by the next day, although females may have to wear an Elizabethan collar to prevent interference with the wound for a few days. See your vet if your kitten seems poorly after the operation. In some breeds (such as Siamese) shaved hair may grow back a darker colour, but this returns to normal in time.

NEUTERED CATS LIVE HAPPIER, HEALTHIER LIVES
NEUTERING IS A ONCE ONLY PROCEDURE - AND IT LASTS A LIFETIME

Reasons to Neuter your Male Dog

Neutering a Male Dog:

Reduces Wandering, roaming in search of a bitch, and so reduces the risk of your dog being lost, or injured in a road accident
Reduces Dog to Dog Fighting, and lessens the risk of your dog being attacked by a bigger stronger dog.
Reduces "Dominant" Behaviour - after neutering, your dog is less likely to show aggression to people.
Reduces Unwanted Sexual Behaviour - "mounting" of legs and small children, and "cocking his leg" around the house trying to mark out his territory.

Neutering also:

Eliminates the Risk of Many Common "Male" Diseases. The following conditions are practically unknown in neutered males:
Prostatic Disorders
Anal Tumours
Perineal Hernias
Testicular Tumours

NEUTERED MALE DOGS LIVE HAPPIER, HEALTHIER LIVES
NEUTERING IS A ONCE ONLY PROCEDURE - AND IT LASTS A LIFETIME.

Reasons to Neuter your Female Dog

Neutering a Bitch

Stops your bitch coming into season (on heat - bleeding from the vulva). Normally happens twice a year
Prevents your bitch ever being pregnant
Stops your bitch escaping to find a mate
Stop male dogs gathering round your door - As they will when she is in season

Neutering a bitch also:

Eliminates the risk of many common 'Female' Diseases. The following conditions are practically unknown in neutered females:
False Pregnancy
Uterine infection
Mammary tumours
Vaginal prolapse

NEUTERED FEMALE DOGS LIVE HAPPIER, HEALTHIER LIVES
NEUTERING IS A ONCE ONLY PROCEDURE - AND IT LASTS A LIFETIME