Getting your new cat from a shelter, SPCA or humane society (rather than a neighbor or an ad) helps too, since it supports the system of organizations that work with the huge population of stray and feral cats. (Responsible breeders are also an option if you want a purebred cat.) Almost all humane societies and SPCAs in Canada sterilize animals before adopting them out to their new families. The added bonus is that you can often adopt a cat that is already fixed and has all of its shots for a small fraction of what it would cost to get your new pet fixed at a vet!