Can a neutered cat still fight back?

QUESTION: I have just adopted a cat that is estimated to be about four months old. The cats in my house have an indoor outdoor lifestyle. This is the first time I have owned a male cat, and I am debating if I should neuter him or not. I believe in fixing animals and always has in the past, but someone told me that if a male cat is neutered, he will not have the same strength to protect himself in the outdoors. What would be your recommendation for this matter?

Mike, West Kelowna ANSWER: Mike, congratulations on your new addition to your household. I do not agree with the theory that was told to you about a neutered cat unable to protect itself.

On the contrary, when male cats are neutered they do not have the sexual drive that makes them pursue females and get into fights with other males. It is possible that the information you heard is not about neutering, but actually about declawing, which is another altering procedures done to animals by humans. When a cat is declawed it is helpless and unable to protect itself.

In any event, neutering does not affect the cats strength and self defence ability whatsoever.

QUESTION: I am considering starting feeding my dog raw food diet. What should I do in order to do it safely and what should I avoid?

Tyler, West Kelowna ANSWER: The main two things you should be on top of when you are feeding your dog raw food diet are: first, the freshness of the meat. Bacteria, mould and other pathogens, grow in meat very easily.

If the meat is not very fresh, or was not kept in the appropriate storing conditions, germs will readily multiply in it.

The hot temperature while cooking the meat kills bacteria. Because the meat is served fresh, it is important to make sure that it is fresh.

The best way to tell is by its smell and appearance — colour, no colonies of mould etc.

Feeding a dog contaminated food can lead to gastroenteritis that can range from mild to severe and even life threatening.

Second thing to be aware of is the presence of bones. Bones are actually recommended to pets due to the minerals in them.

However, it is crucial to make sure that the bones are grounded very finely. Whole bones, or bones fragments or shards are dangerous and can rupture the dog’s digestive system.

I encourage you to change the diet gradually and mix the raw food with the dog’s current food to allow the body to adjust.

Slowly, over few days, increase the ratio of the raw food to the commercial food till you’ll eliminate it all together.

Pay close attention to your dog stool. It may change with the new diet, however it is important to ensure its still firm, in normal colour without presence of blood or extra mucus.

I would also encourage you to get your dog dewormed prior to introducing the raw meat, and get it dewormed routinely and frequently.

Fresh meat may contain parasites that are normally destroyed in cooking

Dr. Noa Oz is a veterinarian at Rose Valley Veterinary Hospital.