Many people do not spay or neuter their pets, especially cats. There are many benefits, yet according to the Humane Society of the United States, six to eight million cats enter shelters each year, and while three to four million are adopted, another three to four million are killed. "An untreated cat, her mate and all their offspring produces only 2 litters per year (the average is 3-4), with just 2.8 surviving kittens per litter she can reach a total of 66,088 cats in just 6 years " (Goldstein & O' Keefe 4).SpayUSA states that the benefits of neutering include no heat cycles, less desire to roam, risk of mammary gland tumors, ovarian and/or uterine cancer is reduced or eliminated, especially if done before the first heat cycle, reduces the number of unwanted cats and helps cats live longer, healthier lives. Not only are many health problems reduced, but overpopulation also decreases dramatically. Those 66,088 cats are reduced, albeit slightly. SpayUSA also states that the benefits of neutering reduce or eliminate the risk of spraying, less desire to roam, thus less likely to be injured in fights or car accidents, the risk of testicular cancer is eliminated, and the incidence of prostate disease is decreased , reduces the number or unwanted cats, decreases aggressive behavior and helps cats live longer, healthier lives. This means fewer homeless cats are walking around injured or lying dead on the side of the road. In short, if people fixed their cats, many problems could be greatly reduced. Additionally, there are other reasons to spay and neuter. “It helps reduce pet overpopulation. Most countries have a surplus of pets and are forced to euthanize or ignore their great suffering. The surplus... middle of paper... Cited Clifton, Merritt. “The latest US data shows that shelter killings have fallen to 4.2 million per year.” Animal people. (2003): 1-5. Network. 24 Feb 2012. .Donald Duck, Rhonda Lucas. “Feral cats should be put down.” Sense of refuge. 15.5 (1992): 3-6. Network. March 1, 2012. "Benefits of Spay/Neuter for Dogs and Cats." Sterilize the United States. Np, nd Web. February 24, 2012. Goldstein, Laurie D., and Christine O. “The Need for Low-Cost Sterilization Programs.” Defense of stray animals. (2003): 1-17. Network. February 29, 2012. "The Many Differences Between Wild and Domesticated Cats." Defense of stray animals. straypetadvocacy, 2003. Web. 24 February 2012. .