Neutering is the overall term for spaying or castrating of your pet. Both procedures involve removing the reproductive organs. In the female (spaying) the uterus and the ovaries are removed; in the male (castration) the testicles are removed.
Neutering is considered important for your pet for the following reasons:
1. Population control
2. Prevention of urine marking (mainly male cats)
3. Reduction in spread of disease through fighting and sexual contact
4. Straying
5. Aggression
6. Reduced risk of diseases associated with the reproductive organs; e.g. pyometra, prostate cancer, mammary cancer and anal adenomas.
Neutering is also beneficial to the health of your pet. Studies have shown that neutered pets live several years longer than their entire counterparts. For a more detailed discussion please see the section that relates to your pet.