Cats are not small dogs, you can’t keep them up until they go out of heat. If not mated, they will recycle in three days. Nursing queens are pregnant. If a stray cat comes in for surgery, we do not do so if she doesn’t show signs of nursing or signs of heat. Nothing is more frustrating than looking for something that is not there. Cats in heat make lots of noise and try to escape the house. We routinely spay pregnant cats. People who object to this invariably are in the same situation soon, plus five kittens.
Cat fights on the back fence are not always cat fights. All male cats should be neutered. They fight, they smell bad and they mark territory. Massive jaws and bad attitudes melt away when the source of testosterone is removed.
Many people think they don’t like cats (especially men) but when the right cat comes along, they find that while they don’t care for cats, this one is different. A cat in one’s lap can reduce blood pressure. They are usually free, self house train, don’t chase cars and bite the mail man. They can be left alone with food and water on a weekend and the house will not be destroyed.
You need two cats so they can have company. They live to be old and don’t require much vet expense. Get a cat… no, get two!