It is recommended that your female pet be spayed or male pet be neutered by six months of age. Spaying prevents unwanted pregnancy, prevents cancer of the reproductive system, eliminates the potential for infections of the uterus later in life and reduces the potential for breast cancer, especially if performed before the first heat cycle. Neutering, or castration, of your male pet eliminates the potential for cancer of the testicles and reduces the risk of prostate cancer and possibly a type of cancer that develops around the rectal area. The male is also no longer agitated by females and the strong hormonal drive to reproduce. He will tend to roam less, decreasing the potential to be hit by a car or otherwise injured, become lost or be involved in territorial fights.