Everybody loves a cute kitten or puppy.

Imagine one day you discover that your cat is pregnant. You look for homes for the kittens and find three people who love cats and will take them in. Down the road, one of the people who took in a kitten gives their cat to a shelter once it’s no longer a cute little kitten. Another one keeps their cat, but they do not neuter them and the cat later gets hit by a car and dies while roaming. The last person also keeps their cat but they do not spay them so the cat becomes pregnant with kittens, continuing the cycle.

All of these scenarios do not end well and could be prevented had every owner spayed or neutered their pet.

1. Prevent homelessness among animals

As adorable as kittens and puppies are, most of them will not reach safe, loving homes.

According to the Humane Society, “In the U.S., there are an estimated 6-8 homeless animals entering animal shelters every year.” Barely half of these animals are adopted, while the rest are euthanized. Often times these animals are the puppies and kittens of family pets, not just stray animals. There are simply too many animals being born and not enough homes. The only way to truly prevent pet homelessness and death in shelters is to spay or neuter your pet.

2. Prevent health problems

There are many health benefits to spaying or neutering your pet. An article posted by USA Today cites that states with the highest rates of pets that are spayed/neutered also live the longest lives.

When it comes to male kittens and puppies, neutering your pet will prevent testicular cancer as well as prostate cancer.

For females puppies and kittens, spaying your pet greatly decreases the risk of your pet developing a fatal uterine infection called pyometra. Spaying also decreases the chance of them developing uterine cancer, breast tumors (cancerous in 50% of dogs and 90% of cats), and other cancers of the reproductive system.

Spaying or neutering your pet is also an important role in protecting your pet from being hit by a car and to prevent animals fights. Unaltered animals often have this urge to roam which puts them at a greater risk, which then often leads to death.

3. Prevent unwanted behavior

There are many behavior benefits to spaying or neutering your furry friend. You’ll be happier and so will your pet! Your female will not go into heat. (Females spayed before their first heat are generally healthier!) Another behavior that can be reduced or even stopped altogether is spraying with male cats. The earlier you get your cat or dog neutered the less likely they’ll display this behavior or signs of aggression. Lastly, your pet will be less likely to try to escape from the home and roam as previously mentioned in health.