What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
spay
Example
I took my cat to the vet to get her spayed. [spayed: past participle]
Example
It's important to spay your dog to prevent unwanted litters. [spay: verb]
neuter
Example
The animal shelter requires all adopted cats to be neutered. [neutered: past participle]
Example
We decided to neuter our dog to avoid aggressive behavior. [neuter: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Neuter is more commonly used than spay in everyday language, as it is a more general term that can refer to both male and female animals. However, both terms are widely used in veterinary medicine and animal welfare organizations.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between spay and neuter?
Both spay and neuter are formal terms used in veterinary medicine and animal welfare organizations. They may be less commonly used in casual conversation, where simpler terms like 'fix' or 'sterilize' may be used instead.
