First thing I would do is check with another vet or two and compare
prices.  Don't opt for cut-rate (so to speak), but surely you could find a
better price.

I would opt to spay, if only to possibly head off breast cancer and give
her relief from estrus and pushy toms and kittens and all that.  The gas
anesthesia used these days is much safer and less traumatic than the old
injectible stuff; downright elderly cats are knocked out the treated for
dental problems every day, and they do fine.  Seven is mature but not
elderly.  She has plenty of miles on her, with more to go if she is taken
out of the brutal breeding cycle.

Sharon Talbert
Friends of Campus Cats
www.compuscats.org

lipgor77@hotmail.com  (Lipgor)
writes

I'm surprised you didn't do anything earlier. Perhaps you weren't aware - at
the very least - spaying (not neutering) the female cat prevents ovarian
cancer.

Most humane societies around the States spay and neuter all animals placed
for adoption. This includes the older animals, and we've certained spayed
(neutering is for males) cats older than seven years (which is pretty much
middle age, not really OLD). Spaying and neutering has been done for years
with very little complication, but if you're that worried about potential
complications, you can ask at alt.med.veterinary for advice from real vets.
However, if your vet's already done the blood work to be sure, your kitty
should be perfectly fine. If you're concerned about the fee for spaying?
Contact your local humane society or animal shelter. Some places offer low
income assistance programs for spaying or neutering.

Damn that's expensive.  Around here (WI) it's only about $75 or so I think.  Check with the Humane
Societies and stuff.  Maybe tell them it's a stray you are caring for or something.  heh heh.

I have participated in the spaying of many an older cat - seven years
old isn't a big deal.  Not only do you have the moral right to spay
her, you have the moral obligation.

-L.

I think you should be more frightened by the possible complications from not
having her spayed.

Maybe this will help you make up your mind:

http://www.maxshouse.com/spaying_and_neutering.htm

Also, intact females are at risk of developing pyometra - which is a serious
and *life-threatening* infection of the uterus.

and not sure if I have the moral right to

You have the moral *obligation* and responsibility to have her spayed.  In
addition to preventing life-threatening diseases, your cat is very
uncomfortable every time goes in and out of heat.

We're a no-kill organization - we have had many older females spayed.  The
only complications I can remember were in females who had pyometra  because
they weren't spayed at an early age.

Please have your cat spayed as soon as possible.

Phil