At What Age Should A Kitten Be Spayed

Myth : Growth Delay In Kittens After Early

Gonadectomy, both at 8 weeks and 7 months, slows down the growth of bone plates until the age of 14-months. As a result, the growth of longer bones takes a bit more time. Today, there is no scientific evidence to prove that this poses any problem.

Numerous studies support this position. In 1987, Leo L. Lieberman, DVM, wrote in his report published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association , that kittens after early-age gonadectomy suffered no medical or behavioral side effects at older ages.

When Should I Spay Or Neuter My Cat

Kittens can be spayed or neutered as young as six to eight weeks of age, however standard spay and neuter surgeries are most often performed when the kitten is between five and six months old. That said, it’s important to note that provided your cat is healthy, these procedures can be performed at any time during your cat’s life.

Benefits Of Neutering Your Male Cat

Population Control

While male cats don’t actually have kittens themselves, one unneutered male cat in your neighborhood can make many female cats pregnant. That’s why neutering male cats is as important as spaying females when it comes to population control!

Health Issues

Neutering your male cat may help slow the spread of serious cat diseases such as Feline immunodeficiency virus and Feline leukemia virus that are often spread between cats during fights. Neutering can help to reduce cat aggression and may mean fewer injuries from fighting. Neutered males also tend to stay closer to home which helps to reduce their risk of being injured by vehicles.

Deter Undesirable Behaviors

Unneutered male cats typically spray inside the home more than neutered males and may be aggressive towards their owners. Having your male kitten neutered while young can help to prevent these behaviors from starting. Also, male cats who are not neutered, frequently roam over large areas in search of unspayed females to mate with. These males will spray to mark their territory and often fight with other male cats which can be bothersome, noisy, and smelly.

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What Happens If You Neuter A Cat Too Early

There is a ton of information out there about early spaying and neutering. It can cause some confusion among pet parents, who understandably just want to do right by their kitty.

Since cats hit sexual maturity at five months, some advocates have pushed for the standard age for neutering a kitten to go down from five to six months to four to five months. The ASPCA supports spaying or neutering pets when they reach two months and are over 2 pounds. The American Veterinary Medical Association also promotes early-age spay and neuter.

There have been concerns raised about early spaying or neutering, including stunting growth and increased shyness. The research doesnt support these claims.

That said, it is possible to neuter a kitten too early, and doing so can complicate the surgery. Vets will generally wait until the kitten reaches about 2 to 3 pounds before spaying or neutering. If a vet performs the procedure before this time, it can be more of a challenge for the vet to manipulate the tissues.

Changing The Landscape For Cats

For 30 years, Mechler, founder of Spay USA, worked at the forefront of the spay and neuter movement in the United States. But it wasnt until she retired in 2010 as director of Spay USAhaving radically improved the accessibility and affordability of spay and neuter servicesthat she started to ponder the importance of the age at which veterinarians perform these surgeries.

When I retired and stepped away from the everyday work, the missing piece of the puzzle became clear, she says.

Mechler read a 2009 study by IPSOS Marketing for PetSmart Charities that showed more than 75 percent of the public doesnt know the appropriate age to spay and neuter pets. Another study that influenced Mechler revealed that spayed female cats and dogs in four Massachusetts towns accounted for the majority of all the litters bornbecause they bred before they were spayed.

Mechler realized that if cats could be prevented from having even one litter, that could greatly reduce the number of cats who are euthanized in animal shelters. To achieve this, consistent veterinary guidelines that promote spaying and neutering before cats can breed would have to be in place.

Mechler says she that there is a need to campaign for spay and neuter before a cats first heat, which is usually at about 4 or 5 months, in the hope that veterinarians would be more willing to change the customary age from 6 months.

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Should You Get Your Cat Fixed

About 3.2 million cats arrive at US animal shelters annually, according to the ASPCA .

Spaying or neutering your cat is the absolute best way to help reduce the number of unwanted cats in the Baltimore area.

That said, the benefits of spaying and neutering your pet don’t stop at controlling the population. Having your kitten fixed can help to curb many undesirable cat behaviors and help to reduce the risk of your cat developing numerous serious health issues.

When Can A Kitten Be Spayed

If you have been reading my development series, then you have been following along to the different stages of a kittens life. At this point, you have gotten through week two all the way through week eight, You learned how to bottle feed a kitten, how to ween a kitten onto solid food, and when a kitten can leave their mother.

You may be asking what the next steps would be? Well the next thing I have noticed a lot of people asking is when they can spay or neuter their new kitten?

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Will Neutering Make My Cat Fat

No, neutering your cat wont make them fat. However, afterwards, your cat may not need as many calories to maintain a healthy weight. Make sure your cat is fed an appropriate amount of a complete diet thats right for their life stage so they stay slim and healthy. In fact, you can buy special food for neutered cats, which have the correct balance of nutrients and calories for them. If youre concerned your cat is putting on weight after neutering, talk to your vet or vet nurse about the best ways to keep them an ideal body condition score.

At What Age Should A Cat Be Spayed

Written by csadmin on . Posted in Spay & Neuter.

Cats are furry little creatures that bring warmth and joy to the heart. For some people, the more, the merrier. For those, having just one to call their own is sufficient. But, regardless of your preference for quantity, cats are animals, and they breed. If youre someone who wants to enjoy the company of your cat only, look out for unwanted pregnancies.

It can happen at any time, while out on a simple walk or even while taking your cat to visit a friend. Aside from the contraceptive benefits offered by the spaying process. It also provides some direct health benefits, which is something to consider.

Spaying can protect cats from developing certain types of cancers later in life. But, it can also expose them to the early development of certain conditions when done improperly. So, you need to follow the proper procedure related to spaying your at.

There are several factors to consider before spaying a cat. You need to consider these variables to avoid any accidents during the process. Age is one of the most critical variables to consider, amongst other things. You should always take your cat to a professional veterinarian clinic like Santa Cruz Pet Clinic.

Doing so protects you from dealing with any potentially fatal side effects of the procedure.

To learn more, continue reading.

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The Right Age For Spaying Your Cat

For a very long time, the medical community advised that cats be neutered no earlier than 6 months of age because at this age the cat is hormonally mature. Then, a report presented at the 2017 North American Veterinary Community Conference stated that cats could be sterilized as early as 5 months of age.

One of the biggest challenges of operating on very young cats was the success of the anesthesia protocol. However, with recent medical developments, this could be overcome. At the moment, most of the data indicate that we have effective anesthetic protocols for younger patients. As we start to piece what we do have, theres a huge suggestion that we can move this time for spays and neuters forward and do better for the cat population and cat owners., said Lauren Demos, BVMS, HonsBSc, resident ABVP , the President of the American Association of Feline Practitioners .

A major role in determining the appropriate minimum age for spaying is also played by the data available for research. Scientific literature, as well as studies rarely cover patients so young, which makes it difficult for doctors to access a broad spectrum of data. One of the reasons that we picked 5 months as an initiative, rather than potentially 2.5 or 3.5 months, is that we want to take this slowly, said Dr. Demos.In terms of the earliest age to safely neuter a cat, the available data has shown that kittens as young as 6 weeks and that weigh at least 1 kg can be spayed.

Spaying Vs Neutering: Understanding The Difference

Female cats are spayed while male cats are neutered. Both elective procedures entail removing the cats reproductive organs: the ovaries and uterus for females, and the testicles for the males.

Getting your cats spayed or neutered does more than help prevent an unplanned litter of kittens. The surgeries can actually lead to longer life expectancies for both cats and dogs. Bierbrier points out that spaying cats can help eliminate the risk of urinary tract infections and lessen the chances of malignant breast tumors.

Spaying and neutering also helps cut down on the homeless pet population, she says. Pregnancies lead to more kittens being surrendered to shelters, and some of those cats might be euthanized if they cant find a home.

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Spay Home Recovery Kit

Prepare ahead of time for your cats spay. This will make things easier for you on the day of, and keep things as calm as possible for both you and your cat. Your spay home recovery kit should include the following:

• Elizabethan collar

• Clean, dry bedding

• Easily accessible food and water

• Clean litter box

• A closed-off room where your cat will be calm

The most important thing you can do to prepare for your cats spay is choosing a location where she will be calm and where you will be able to observe her. Make arrangements for outdoor cats to spend time inside for their recovery. If your cat likes to hide, consider enclosing her in a room where you can find her easily.

As you set up your cats recovery room, be sure to provide clean, dry bedding, as damp and/or dirty bedding increases her risk of contracting an infection. Be sure to also include a clean litter box and fresh water, and remove any toys that encourage exuberant play.

What Is The Best Age To Spay A Kitten

So when can a kitten be spayed? There is debate among veterinarians about the time to spay/neuter your cat.

There are three different times in which you can spay a kitten.

First, Early or pediatric spay/neuter is done at six to eight weeks of age.

Second, Standard spay and neuter at five to six months. Finally, waiting until after the first heat, somewhere between eight to twelve months of age.

As someone who has had kittens neutered at nearly all the ages, I want to give you guys my opinion.

Phoebe, was spayed after her first time in heat. And honestly, I do not recommend it! At the time I had just found her and did not realize she was about to go into heat. But knowing what I know now, I would definitely spay my cats prior to their first time in heat. This allows them to not have to go through the stress of being in heat.

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Why You Should Spay Or Neuter Your Lab

There are numerous benefits to spaying or neutering your Labrador Retriever. Animal experts say its crucial for males, but dont be fooled by gender. Females can be just as aggressive and even more territorial than male dogs.

Apart from safety, there are other benefits to spaying or neutering too. It can even extend their lifespan! Lets talk about all the reasons why you need to fix your Labrador.

How Does Spaying Work

Spaying must be conducted by a vet or other qualified professional, and entails your cat undergoing an operation. It then prevents your female cat also called a queen from producing eggs which could be fertilised by a male cat, as well as stopping their body emitting sex hormones which attract males.

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Why Do Shelters Adopt Out Younger Kittens

The age your kitten will be adopted out will vary between shelters and breeders. The RSPCA states that kittens can be adopted from 8 weeks. Shelters will generally adopt out kittens from the age of 8-10 weeks, once they have had their vaccinations and are old and large enough to have been desexed. Space and resources are always a factor for shelters, and the benefit of staying a good hope, with one on one care and out of the confines of a small enclosure outweigh the benefit of an extra two weeks with the mother and littermates.

Breeders keep kittens until they are 12 weeks of age and some will keep them until 16 weeks, especially the oriental type breeds such as Siamese. Most cat breeders prefer to wait until their kitten is between 1 1.5kg before desexing, so smaller breeds such as the Devon Rex, Burmese, Singapura may need to be a little older than larger breeds. Also, space and resources are not as stretched with the breeder compared to the shelter, and therefore the benefit of an extra two weeks with the mother and littermates outweighs the benefit of going to a new home.

Early Neutering Of Cats: The Risk Factors And Benefits

Nicola Smith Friday, April 1, 2011

Leading feline welfare bodies in the UK are encouraging veterinary suregons to neuter cats earlier to reduce the number of unplanned litters born that lead to many unwanted cats. Veterinary surgeons have been concerned that early neutering may lead to higher mortality rates from surgery, as well as higher incidences of urinary problems, obesity and growth plate fractures. It has been demonstrated that earlier neutering does not cause any long-term health implications, and that the procedure can be performed safely in young kittens as long as the patient is properly prepared, monitored and recovered.

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When To Spay Or Neuter Your Cat

There is debate among veterinarians about the time to spay/neuter your cat, says Dr. Adam Denish of Rhawnhurst Animal Hospital in Elkins Park, PA. There are three general options: Early or pediatric spay/neuter is done at six to eight weeks of age. Standard spay and neuter at five to six months. Finally, waiting until after the first heat, somewhere between eight to twelve months of age, he says.

As a vet who has done thousands of spays and neuters, I still perform them at five months of age. The pets are a good size, the owners have already trained and accepted them, and the anesthesia and surgery are usually safe, says Dr. Denish. The concerns over early spay/neuter are mostly due to the prevailing opinion that new owners may not do the procedure, and the pet is free to breed. The additional offspring contributes to the overpopulation of cats in the wild, as well as the burden of euthanizing unwanted and ill cats at shelters.

Whatever the age of your cat when theyre spayed or neutered, there are definite health benefits for cats of either sex to have the procedure.

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Responsible pet ownership and spaying/neutering also:

• Helps the community by reducing the number of unwanted cats
• Reduces risks of hoarding and overabundance of cats
• Frees up shelter resources that can be used to help more animals
• Prevents risks of infections in the environment
• Potentially minimizes the risk of Toxoplasma being shed in the environment in outdoor stray cats

Whats more, spaying and neutering can help you!

• It can save money on emergency reproductive disorders like an infected uterus
• Spaying and neutering can save you time on trying to find homes for 6-8 kittens
• It can save you money on a veterinary visit to test all your kittens for feline kitty AIDS , deworm them, and give them their first 2 shots before you adopt them out

There are several reputable organizations that endorse and support early spay neuter in cats, and these include:

• Alley Cat Allies
• Cat Fanciers Association
• Winn Feline Foundation

When in doubt, discuss this with your veterinarian and keep your cat healthy and happy. But try to Beat the heat and Fix Felines by Five!

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At What Age Should I Spay Or Neuter My Cats

Submitted by: Philip A. Bushby, DVM, MS, DACVS

In June of 2017, the AVMA formally endorsed the consensus document put forth by the Veterinary Task Force on Feline Sterilization for Age of Spay and Neuter Surgery, which recommends cats not intended for breeding be gonadectomized by five months of age. This joined endorsements from other veterinary medical and cat breeding associations including the American Association of Feline Practitioners, Association of Shelter Veterinarians, American Animal Hospital Association, Winn Foundation, Catalyst Council, Cat Fanciers Association and The International Cat Association. Feline Fix by Five is a campaign promoted by the Marians Dream Foundation to share this recommendation that has garnered such broad support. FFF was born out of awareness that cats can be reproductively active by 4 to 5 months of age, yet most veterinarians recommend spay/neuter of cats at 6 months of age or older. The result of this mismatch between age at which cats can become pregnant and the recommended age of sterilization is demonstrated any time one walks into a local animal shelter.

For more information on Feline Fix by Five go to: .

For more information on the AVMAs position on spay neuter go to: .

To view a video describing the importance of spay neuter of cats by 5 months of age go to: