Domestic Longhair (DLH)
A domestic longhaired cat is the proper name for any cat with medium or long fur, if it is not a pedigreed member of a recognized breed, which do not come with any certificate from any cat association. Domestic longhairs come in all the standard cat colours including tabby, tortie, bi-colored etc. If their fur combines several shades of the same color they may be referred to as a smoke.

Domestic Shorthair (DSH)
A domestic shorthaired cat (DSH) is the proper name for a shorthaired cat that does not have a pedigree or belong to a recognised cat breed. Domestic shorthaired cats are characterised by a wide range of colouring and typically 'revert to type' after a few generations, which means they express their coats as a tabby. This can be any color or combination of colors. They also exhibit a wide range of physical characteristics, and as a result, domestic shorthaired cats in different countries tend to look different in body shape and size, as they are working from differing gene pools. DSH cats in Asia tend to have a build similar to Siamese or Tonkanese purebreds, while European and American varieties have a thicker, heavier build.

The term neutering refers to the removal of the reproductive organs of the male and female animal, while spaying is specific to female cats and the male cat is castrated.

Advantages of SPAYING or NEUTERING your pet.
1. Pet Population Control
Thousands of stray pets face euthanasia or are suffering on the streets so, please spay your pets and help prevent this problem.

2. Health Benefits
* Females
o Decreases the risk of mammary tumors (breast cancer)
o Eliminates the risk of uterine infections (pyometra)
o Reduces the risk of TVT (Transmissible Venereal Tumour), a sexually transmitted cancer.

* Males
o Reduces the chances of TVT
o Eliminates the risk of testicular cancer
o Markedly reduces the risk of prostrate cancer, anal gland cancer

3. Behaviour Benefits
o Reduces stress
o Prevents wandering and roaming in search of females, which can lead to accidents.
o Prevents the spread of diseases such as TVT
o Eliminates marking of territory by urine spraying and reduces odor
o Reduces aggression, leading to less fighting and less vet bills for injuries

We have referred to the \"Jawatankuasa Kemajuan Islam Malaysia\" regarding the neutering of pets. Below is the \"fatwa\" issued by JAKIM (July 2002):

\"All pets like cats and dogs are allowed to be neutered or spayed in order to maintain the health and welfare of both the animals and the community.\"
\"Bahawa mengembiri binatang kesayangan seperti kucing atau anjing hukumnya adalah diharuskan dengan sebab-sebab tertentu iaitu bagi menjaga muslahat ummah.\"

In view of the good which can be derived, neutering can be carried out for the well-being of your pet cat. Do not be of two minds anymore. Hurry to your vet to make an appointment to neuter your cat.

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