Busting Spay/Neuter Myths in Appalachia

In the heart of Appalachia, where tradition and tight-knit communities are woven into daily life, old beliefs can sometimes stand in the way of progress, especially when it comes to animal welfare. At Appalachian Feline Foster Network, we are dedicated not only to providing direct care to cats, but also to educating our community on the most effective, humane ways to reduce suffering and overpopulation. And one of the biggest tools we have? Spay and Neuter!

But despite the evidence and success of Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs, we still hear some persistent myths that cause people to hesitate or delay. Today, we're setting the record straight.

Myth #1: "Spayed cats won't catch mice anymore."

Truth: Spaying or neutering doesn't take away a cat’s natural hunting instincts. Cats hunt because of instinct and opportunity, not because they need to reproduce. Many of our spayed colony cats are still excellent “mousers.” In fact, by eliminating the stress and distraction of mating behaviors, cats often become more focused and calm in their territory—making them even better hunters.

Myth #2: "She should have at least one litter before being spayed."

Truth: There is no medical benefit to allowing a cat to have a litter before being spayed. In fact, spaying a cat before her first heat can significantly reduce her risk of developing mammary cancer and eliminates the risk of uterine infections. Plus, every kitten born adds to the overwhelming number of cats already in need of homes.

Myth #3: "It’s not natural to sterilize animals."

Truth: Domestic cats are not part of a natural ecosystem anymore. The overpopulation of unaltered cats leads to suffering, starvation, disease, and death—not balance. Spay and neuter is the most compassionate and responsible way to ensure cats live healthier lives without contributing to an endless cycle of unwanted litters.

Myth #4: "We don't need to spay community cats—they take care of themselves."

Truth: Community cats do not manage their population naturally. Without intervention, one pair of unaltered cats can lead to thousands of descendants in just a few years. And many of those kittens won’t survive long. TNR stops this cycle while allowing healthy, fixed cats to remain safely in their territory.

How You Can Help Dispel These Myths

The best way to help us shift the culture around spay/neuter in Appalachia is to share the truth. Talk to your friends, your neighbors, and your family. If someone repeats one of these myths, kindly explain the facts. If you need help or resources, we're here to support you.

At Appalachian Feline Foster Network, we believe education is just as important as action. When we understand the "why," we are more empowered to do the right thing—not just for our own cats, but for the entire community.

Together, We Can Break the Cycle

Every cat that’s fixed represents fewer kittens struggling to survive, fewer cats in shelters, and fewer heartbreaking decisions for overwhelmed rescues. Whether you’re a lifelong cat lover or just learning about TNR, your support makes a difference.

Let’s replace outdated myths with compassionate facts—and create a better future for Appalachia’s cats.