Ah-ha, you've now entered my territory.
Yes, your brother's teenage cat will only benefit from being neutered/spayed.  There are hundreds of cats being neglected simply because undoctored cats only exist for one thing;  passing on their genes, hence using their spraying techniques to mark out their terrritory, thus creating far too many unwanted kittens.
No, it's not cheap these days in the UK.  The advice is, research owning a cat (and a dog come to that) and decide whether you can afford to have one or not.
Our domestic animal homes, ie Battersea Dog/Cat Home are constantly taking in unwanted pets or abandoned kittens/puppies because the less than responsible owners didn't think it through.
Said my bit now  although I could go on.

wine~o wrote:

ugg boots aren't going to stop cats breeding...  

Maybe if they are wearing them it just might work!