Neutering animals

[InRCIA]

When I was a lost college dropout back in the '90s I had a sweet kitty who became pregnant before I was able to spay her. When the vet called to let me know of her condition I told him to go ahead with the procedure because I was desperately poor and couldn’t handle the responsibility to raise more kittens (my boyfriend’s cat had already had two litters, from which I had adopted Betsy, in a college town already overrun with irresponsible pet owners and their kittens/puppies). She developed an infection which quickly killed her, and I felt horribly responsible. So there are risks involved, I would advise you let this litter be born and have her spayed PROMPTLY when you see the kittens begin to ween. There is a very small window between weening and the next heat cycle so stay on top of it, and good luck! Pets are a wonderful gift from God and we should always show our gratitude in the way we care for them.

 

[catmom3]

Spaying an animal is fine…

But the thought of aborting kittens bothers me, oddly enough.

As my user name shows, I have 3 cats. All were adopted from the streets, all have been “fixed.” And while I have to agree that aborting kittens, or kittens dying from the anesthetic given to a pregnant cat during the procedure, bothers me, so does the thought of even more starving kittens. It’s hard to find homes for stray cats, and many people re-consider now, because of the current economy and the added expenses, not only of spaying/neutering but shots, vet visits, food, litter…

 

[severus68]

Not only is it moral to neuter the cats and abort the unborn ones, it would not be immoral to round up and euthanize the entire feral cat population on your property if they were a nuisance or posed a sanitation or safety risk. The Catholic prohibitions against sterilization and abortions are based on the dignity of the human person and in no way applies to animals.

Perhaps you should reread what the Cathechism says or do you choose to interpret it as narrowly as possible to suit you. You don’t even have to like cats or any animals. I am terrified of sharks but I think “finnng” is wrong. My biggest problem wiith aborting those kittens is that they don’t necessarily die whe the anaesthestia is given to the cat. I know of such a procedure on a dog and one of the puppies was stil alive when thrown in the bin and strugging. I have all my nimals neutered. The Pope has said that we should treat animals as mere commodities…

I agree with putting animals to sleep when they suffer or will suffer as we have limited resources, they do not sin,there is no point to letting them suffer.

 

[Katrina5]

I have had two cats who had abortions during the spaying procedure. I didn’t have to see the kittens, but the vet showed them to my friend. One cat was pretty far along and the risk was very high, but she made it.

I had very little money when these events happened.
That is where I see the similarity in a human having an abortion-- they have no money and see no way to care for the baby.
It was hard for me, so imagine what a young woman would feel.

My kitties are adopted strays and fixed right away.

As for animals not having souls, I do not know where that comes from. God told us to have dominon over the animals, which means we have to take care of them.

My cats are my only family. Why would God allow me to enter heaven and leave them behind? Why would he create them and not let them into heaven as companions to us?

There is SO MUCH we DON’T know about animals! We are constantly finding out they are more intelligent than what was once believed.

They now know that “fish feel pain” and didn’t think so before because fish are silent and have no facial muscles! So they can’t scream, doesn’t mean they don’t feel.

I think we are so human-centric (is that a word?) that we want to eat them, so we justify it by saying they don’t have souls or feel pain.

I eat meat, but since they are showing some video of the chickens who are laying the Salmonella eggs and the horrible conditions they live in, I am reconsidering that.

As for cats not “sinning”. I’m not so sure…one of mine is pretty “bad.”

 

[miniquedoes]

As for animals not having souls, I do not know where that comes from. God told us to have dominon over the animals, which means we have to take care of them.

My cats are my only family. Why would God allow me to enter heaven and leave them behind? Why would he create them and not let them into heaven as companions to us?

I have a cat myself an love animals very much however I think many times the line between animals and humans are blurred. Some want to act as if animals and humans are equal beings. Some even do hateful things to fellow humans in order to protect animals. We are to of course care for animals and treat them kindly, but I would say spaying and neutering is also our responsibility. I find it hard to believe that a cat would be depressed about not having her kittens. Animals abandon their young all the time and some even eat them. (On a side note, it is really upsetting that there are people who fight more save animals from being killed than unborn babies )Also in heaven there is perfect happiness. Why would a person in heaven feel a loss of a pet? Because animals do not have eternal souls which can be saved, it is likely we won’t be with our pets in heaven. But as I stated earlier we will be so extremely happy with our Father we won’t care.

 

[LilyM]

There is no moral equivalence between neutering a cat or aborting unborn puppies and human sterilisation and abortion.

Just as there is no moral equivalence between killing a cow or chicken for the purpose of eating it vs killing a fellow human being for the purpose of eating him or her.

Yes, we are to take good care of animals, since they are God’s gifts and His creatures and not simply our own possessions. Just as we are to take good care of all resources, even the ones that aren’t alive or sentient, and so need to consider things such as preserving good water and air quality and using our money wisely rather than squandering it.

And in that animals are sentient (capable of emotions including pain and suffering), we owe them a further duty to treat them humanely. But that doesn’t equate to an obligation not to abort or sterilise (or kill and eat) animals.

Sometimes the most humane thing you CAN do to an animal is painlessly euthanase it, since unlike humans animals don’t understand the concept of short-term pain such as chemotherapy leading to long-term benefits, but just suffer and don’t understand why.

Or spey and neuter it, since unlike humans animals can’t be taught chastity or NFP or otherwise about the benefits of populaiton control

 

[miniquedoes]

Or spey and neuter it, since unlike humans animals can’t be taught chastity or NFP or otherwise about the benefits of populaiton control

 

[Newbie2]

Perhaps you should reread what the Cathechism says or do you choose to interpret it as narrowly as possible to suit you. You don’t even have to like cats or any animals. I am terrified of sharks but I think “finnng” is wrong. My biggest problem wiith aborting those kittens is that they don’t necessarily die whe the anaesthestia is given to the cat. I know of such a procedure on a dog and one of the puppies was stil alive when thrown in the bin and strugging. I have all my nimals neutered. The Pope has said that we should treat animals as mere commodities…

I agree with putting animals to sleep when they suffer or will suffer as we have limited resources, they do not sin,there is no point to letting them suffer.

Well…they die when the uterus is removed.

Pet adoption is frequently a viable alternative. Some blessed souls are more than happy to take on sick pets who’s owners cannot afford treatment. Sadly, though, they are few and far between.

 

[murphjos]

Perhaps you should reread what the Cathechism says or do you choose to interpret it as narrowly as possible to suit you. You don’t even have to like cats or any animals. I am terrified of sharks but I think “finnng” is wrong. My biggest problem wiith aborting those kittens is that they don’t necessarily die whe the anaesthestia is given to the cat. I know of such a procedure on a dog and one of the puppies was stil alive when thrown in the bin and strugging. I have all my nimals neutered. The Pope has said that we should treat animals as mere commodities…

I agree with putting animals to sleep when they suffer or will suffer as we have limited resources, they do not sin,there is no point to letting them suffer.

Please site what in the CCC contradicts my statement. I am not talking about being cruel or capricious in killing animals. I simply pointed out that neutering or killing cats (born or not) is in no way morally similar to killing or sterilizing humans.

Some moral reasons to kill an animal;

• For food
• because it is a pest
• because is is a danger to humans
• to control the population for the sake of the living animals competing for resources
• To end its suffering
• Because it would be too expensive to treat medically

None of these apply to humans.

2418 It is contrary to human dignity to cause animals to suffer or die needlessly. It is likewise unworthy to spend money on them that should as a priority go to the relief of human misery. One can love animals; one should not direct to them the affection due only to persons.

There is no narrow or broad interpretation of the CCC as it is an interpretation of other sources (Scripture, Cannon law, sacred Tradition etc.) Thats the beauty of it. A is evil. B is virtuous. C is a mortal sin. No problems with interpretation all a Catholic needs to do is read and follow it.

 

[Katrina5]

Please site what in the CCC contradicts my statement. I am not talking about being cruel or capricious in killing animals. I simply pointed out that neutering or killing cats (born or not) is in no way morally similar to killing or sterilizing humans.

Some moral reasons to kill an animal;

• For food
• because it is a pest
• because is is a danger to humans
• to control the population for the sake of the living animals competing for resources
• To end its suffering
• Because it would be too expensive to treat medically

None of these apply to humans.

There is no narrow or broad interpretation of the CCC as it is an interpretation of other sources (Scripture, Cannon law, sacred Tradition etc.) Thats the beauty of it. A is evil. B is virtuous. C is a mortal sin. No problems with interpretation all a Catholic needs to do is read and follow it.

This is well put. But…sometimes I am affectionate to my pets because I don’t HAVE a human companion, and a hug is a hug!

And my cats love me. Anyone who thinks cats can’t love you have never had a cat.

 

[murphjos]

This is well put. But…sometimes I am affectionate to my pets because I don’t HAVE a human companion, and a hug is a hug!

And my cats love me. Anyone who thinks cats can’t love you have never had a cat.

Agreed. I not and animal-hating meanie… Some of my fondest memories are of riding my horse (whom I loved). We had a relationship that was extremely rewarding for both of us. I sorely miss him and the adventures we had together. But my growing family required that we go our separate ways.

 

[PatriceA]

Please site what in the CCC contradicts my statement. I am not talking about being cruel or capricious in killing animals. I simply pointed out that neutering or killing cats (born or not) is in no way morally similar to killing or sterilizing humans.

Some moral reasons to kill an animal;

• For food
• because it is a pest
• because is is a danger to humans
• to control the population for the sake of the living animals competing for resources
• To end its suffering
• Because it would be too expensive to treat medically

None of these apply to humans.

There is no narrow or broad interpretation of the CCC as it is an interpretation of other sources (Scripture, Cannon law, sacred Tradition etc.) Thats the beauty of it. A is evil. B is virtuous. C is a mortal sin. No problems with interpretation all a Catholic needs to do is read and follow it.

Good post and very sensible. I have owned dogs and horses and I would not apply the principles of protecting human life to my dog or horse, I would lay down my life for my child but not my pet. I would do all I could to respect the life of the animal but there are just limitations that do not extend past what I would do to protect a human life.

 

[JaneGrey]

Good post and very sensible. I have owned dogs and horses and I would not apply the principles of protecting human life to my dog or horse, I would lay down my life for my child but not my pet. I would do all I could to respect the life of the animal but there are just limitations that do not extend past what I would do to protect a human life.

Funny how on these threads, someone always feels the need to emphasise how they will die for their child, but not their pet, as if that was not obvious enough.
With respect, no one here has suggested otherwise.

I do not judge anyone who eats meat, or who would abort puppies or kittens in the womb. However I personally have a huge huge problem with the latter, and there must be a reason for that (and not iam not an overly emotional bleeding heart).
Loving animals and going out of one’s way does not lessen one’s love for humans.

 

[PatriceA]

Funny how on these threads, someone always feels the need to emphasise how they will die for their child, but not their pet, as if that was not obvious enough.
With respect, no one here has suggested otherwise.

I do not judge anyone who eats meat, or who would abort puppies or kittens in the womb. However I personally have a huge huge problem with the latter, and there must be a reason for that (and not iam not an overly emotional bleeding heart).
Loving animals and going out of one’s way does not lessen one’s love for humans.

Sorry, but with respect, I certainly thought it was implied when posters were arguing we shouldn’t abort cats because of our pro-life beliefs as a Catholic.

 

[JaneGrey]

Sorry, but with respect, I certainly thought it was implied when posters were arguing we shouldn’t abort cats because of our pro-life beliefs as a Catholic.

I understand. Sorry if i came across as rude, I responded to your post rather quickly after reading it and impulsively. Well some Catholics certainly, based on their interpretation of the Catechism, are uncomfortable with the idea of any sentient life being killed unnecessarily.
I accept that others also feel that this right should be restricted to human beings. While I feel that everyone is entitled to these differing opinions, I dont understand the leap of logic when people somehow assume that those who feel strongly about the life of animals, dont feel the same about human children.
In fact I would think that if one feels protective and that they have a responsibility to protect animals, they would feel only more strongly about the sanctity of human life, especially if Catholic. That has certainly been my experience.

 

[PatriceA]

I understand. Sorry if i came across as rude, I responded to your post rather quickly after reading it and impulsively. Well some Catholics certainly, based on their interpretation of the Catechism, are uncomfortable with the idea of any sentient life being killed unnecessarily.
I accept that others also feel that this right should be restricted to human beings. While I feel that everyone is entitled to these differing opinions, I dont understand the leap of logic when people somehow assume that those who feel strongly about the life of animals, dont feel the same about human children.
In fact I would think that if one feels protective and that they have a responsibility to protect animals, they would feel only more strongly about the sanctity of human life, especially if Catholic. That has certainly been my experience.

I see you’ve met my MIL. She treats her pets better than her adult children, but is pro-choice and very vocal about it.

 

[Phyllis_Mary]

I run a cat shelter and a low-cost spay/neuter clinic. Because we can’t find homes for all the kittens that are born, we would rather spay a pregnant cat unless she is really close to delivering because surgery can be hard on the mother. But I would rather spay/abort before the kittens have taken their first breath than to see the thousands that are killed later when there are no homes for them. It’s a sad fact but until more people take responsibility for the strays of the world it will be necessary. Once spayed and vaccinated, feral (domestic cats that are afraid of humans) can live a long, healthy life where they are familiar–outdoors. You are doing the right thing spaying the mom cats–they will benefit from your kindness. You are to be congratulated.

 

[JaneGrey]

I see you’ve met my MIL. She treats her pets better than her adult children, but is pro-choice and very vocal about it.

I might be misunderstanding this statement of yours but I thought I made it clear in my previous post that the majority of people i know who love animals and supposedly treat them ‘‘like people’’ are also adamantly pro-life when it comes to humans and human babies.
I dont doubt there are many who love animals, and are pro-choice, like your MIL, but I wouldnt necessarily make a connection between the two.

Im sorry your MIL is pro choice, though her pets probably require more hands-on care than her adult children do.

God bless

 

[severus68]

Well…they die when the uterus is removed.

Pet adoption is frequently a viable alternative. Some blessed souls are more than happy to take on sick pets who’s owners cannot afford treatment. Sadly, though, they are few and far between.

My apologies for some typos in my earlier post. There is a problem with my internet explorer. The Pope said we should **not **treat animals.

You are right of course.Not many can or want to take on a sick animal.

 

[severus68]

Please site what in the CCC contradicts my statement. I am not talking about being cruel or capricious in killing animals. I simply pointed out that neutering or killing cats (born or not) is in no way morally similar to killing or sterilizing humans.

Some moral reasons to kill an animal;

• For food
• because it is a pest
• because is is a danger to humans
• to control the population for the sake of the living animals competing for resources
• To end its suffering
• Because it would be too expensive to treat medically

None of these apply to humans.

There is no narrow or broad interpretation of the CCC as it is an interpretation of other sources (Scripture, Cannon law, sacred Tradition etc.) Thats the beauty of it. A is evil. B is virtuous. C is a mortal sin. No problems with interpretation all a Catholic needs to do is read and follow it.

In your post to which I responded you only spoke of nuisance and sanitation,very practical things, nothing to do with compassion, thus my response. My apologies for the typo,the Pope said we should not** treat animals as commodities.**