- Halacha
- General Questions
Spaying or Neutering a Pet
Question
I was wondering if it is halachically forbidden to spay or neuter a pet (specifically a cat)?
Answer
Neutering a male animal is a Torah prohibition. In the case of a female there is a minority opinion that it is a Torah prohibition and a majority opinion that it is a Rabbinic prohibition. Generally, in regards to a female, many Poskim allow spaying by a non Jewish vet in a case of severe need. What constitutes great need is itself a question, some allow it in the case of house pets, others do not. In the case of males it is more complicated. For more info see an excellent article at:
http://www.daat.ac.il/daat/english/halacha/jachter_1.htm
In any case, a Rabbi should be consulted about the specific case.

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Rabbi Chaim Tabasky teaches a shiur in gemarah at the Beit Midrash program of the Machon Hagavoah l'Torah at Bar Ilan University. He is also a certified examiner of STa"M (Sifrei Torah, Tefillin and Mezuzot) and a narrative therapist.

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