I grew up on the picturesque Reunion Island, in the middle of the Indian Ocean. And during my childhood in the 80s, cats were definitely a constant. However, in those days, the practice of spaying and neutering wasn’t as common. I remember numerous kittens… I remember the joys… and the pain… Because, for various reasons, it was not unfortunately uncommon to lose many of them…
It was only when I embarked on my veterinary studies that I truly understood the significance of spaying and neutering. I learned about the profound benefits of these procedures, not only for individual pet health but also for the broader feline community. And a crucial question remained: when is the ideal time to spay or neuter kittens?
This blog aims to give a clear answer to this vital question. Drawing from both my personal experiences and professional knowledge, we’ll explore the evolving guidelines and the latest recommendations on the appropriate age for spaying or neuter kittens.
- Historical Recommendations
- Current Recommendations
- Health and Longevity Benefits
- Overpopulation – and Why Context Matters
- Addressing Common Concerns
- Kitten Wellness Protocols and Vaccination Timing
Historical Recommendations
The journey of understanding the best age to spay or neuter cats has been marked by significant changes and evolving perspectives over the years. That the lest we could say here!
There was a time when, in veterinary medicine, the standard recommendation for spaying a female cat was often delayed until after she had a litter or had experienced her first heat cycle. This approach was guided more by tradition and less by scientific understanding.
Interestingly enough, in this day and age, there are still a fair amount of people who believe this! A study done in the UK showed indeed that 49% of pet owners still believe that a female cat should have at least one litter before being spayed… which is a very high number when we think about it!
Good news is: in veterinary medicine, we NEVER stop learning. And as advances were made in this field, so did the recommendations actually. By the late 20th century, the veterinary community had started advocating for spaying and neutering at the age of 6 months or older. This change was informed by a growing body of research that highlighted the benefits of earlier intervention… and also by the fact that, typically, this is when cats reach puberty. The primary indication for this surgery being population control, spaying them at this age was, supposedly, ideal.
However, this recommendation was not the final stop in the journey (told you, we NEVER stop learning :)). Because it became common knowledge that, actually… cats can reach sexual maturity much earlier than 6… around 4-5-months actually!
This realization sparked a new wave of thought – why wait until AFTER the onset of sexual maturity? The argument for lowering the spaying and neutering age to 4 to 5 months started to gain traction. And this approach, often referred to as “early spay/neuter,” has become increasingly supported.
NB: Actually I think the “early spay/neuter” term is improperly used here, but more on this in the coming paragraphs, keep reading and you will soon understand why I say this!
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Current Recommendations
The American Veterinary Medical Association, American Association of Feline Practitioners and Association of Shelter Veterinarians, leading authorities in cat health, currently advocates for spaying or neutering cats at around 5 months old. The British Veterinary Association recommends spaying and neutering kittens at 4 months.
And this timing is significant because it ideally occurs before the first reproductive cycle we observe in these animals.
You need to remember that there are many factors that can influence when a kitten will reach puberty:
- Kittens will often reach puberty in the spring following their birth: This occurs as their reproductive cycle is affected by light exposure, which in turn triggers the secretion of the hormone melatonin.
- Kittens will often reach puberty when they get to 80% of their adult bodyweight: this means that speed of growth can influence the age of puberty as well.
- In purebred kittens, their breed also has an influence: Siamese and Oriental cats typically reach puberty earlier, whereas Persians and similar breeds often experience delayed puberty, sometimes not reaching it until after a year of age.
Altogether, this is why these new recommendations make total sense!
It’s however important to note that, while the general recommendation is now to spay or neuter kittens by 4-5 months of age, there are circumstances where it may be done earlier. And this is especially in the case of shelter kittens.
The Association of Shelter Veterinarians recommends spaying or neutering as early as 6 to 18 weeks of age for kittens in shelters, provided they are healthy.
This approach has been found to have benefits like population control, shorter surgical and recovery times, and cost savings. This approach (spaying starting at 6 weeks of age) is what we should truly refer to when we mention “Early Spaying and Neutering” in my opinion.
Health and Longevity Benefits
The decision to spay or neuter kittens at an early age is not merely a procedural choice; it’s a health-centric approach that offers extensive benefits. It indeed contributes significantly to the longevity and well-being of cats.
In one of my recent blog, I actually provided a detailed and updated exploration of the myriad advantages associated with early spaying and neutering, check it to find out more details on this aspect:
To Spay or Not To Spay? The Science Behind Your Cat’s Health
Decreased Risk of Mammary Tumours
One of the most significant health benefits of spaying kittens before they reach five months is the substantial decrease in the risk of mammary tumours (also referred to sometimes as “breast cancer”).
Mammary cancer is the third most common cancer in cats and poses a serious health risk. The majority of mammary tumours in cats are indeed malignant. I have seen my fair share of them and they are very aggressive, this is something we want to avoid at all cost if we can!
Spaying, particularly before the first heat cycle, has been shown to significantly lower their incidence.
A study done on this topic showed that cats spayed prior to 6 months of age had a 91% reduction in the risk of developing mammary tumours.
The median survival time for cats with mammary neoplasia is generally less than one year, underscoring the importance of early intervention.
Elimination of Reproductive Emergencies
Spaying and neutering also play a crucial role in eliminating reproductive emergencies like pyometra (a severe uterine infection) and dystocia (difficulties to give birth). These conditions can be life-threatening and often require urgent medical attention.
I often mention in my presentations on this topic that C-sections are quite rare in cats; but the only ones I performed on my end were always on young kittens that were accidentally mated.
By removing the reproductive organs at an early age, these risks are effectively mitigated.
For more detailed information on these aspects, check my previous blog on this topic.
Prevention of Unintended Pregnancies
Unintended pregnancies, particularly in cats, contribute significantly to the overpopulation problem.
And be aware that cats can become pregnant as early as four months of age.
Spaying them at 4-5 months is therefore a vital measure in controlling the number of homeless kittens and reducing the strain on shelters.
Increased Longevity
A notable benefit of early spaying and neutering is the increase in life expectancy among sterilized cats. Studies show that sterilized male and female cats have a longer life expectancy compared to their intact counterparts.
For spayed females, the life expectancy is 39% greater, while for neutered males, it’s 62% greater. And a recent study actually showed that spayed and neutered cats live basically 10 times longer than their entire counterparts!
These differences may be attributed to a range of factors, including reduced risks of terminal illnesses, environmental factors, and the incidence of fighting or accidents
Decrease in Behavioral Problems
Behavioral issues are a significant factor in cat relinquishments to shelters. By spaying and neutering cats before they reach 4-5 months, many of the sexual behaviours that lead to relinquishment are eliminated.
For female cats, this means the cessation of behaviors displayed during heat cycles, and for male cats, a substantial reduction or elimination of territorial marking, fighting, and roaming.
Overpopulation – and Why Context Matters
As a veterinarian, I often view the decision to spay or neuter a kitten as an equation that varies depending on the animal and its specific context.
Because the answer to the question “what is the best age to spay a kitten?” will vary depending on we are talking to a “normal” pet owner, a cat breeder or an animal shelter.
Addressing the Overpopulation Crisis
One of the most pressing issues in animal welfare is the overpopulation of cats. It’s a problem that significantly impacts shelters across the world.
Current estimates indicate that 3 to 5 million dogs and cats enter U.S. shelters every year, with 1.5 to 2 million of these animals being euthanized. Notably, the euthanasia rate for cats is often higher than that for dogs…
This grim statistic underscores the need for effective population control measures, of which early spaying and neutering are critical components.
In response to this crisis, many shelters have adopted policies of spaying or neutering kittens as early as possible.
This strategy serves two primary purposes: it aids in controlling the cat population by preventing future litters and makes kittens more desirable for adoption, as they are already sterilized. For kittens in shelters, the recommendation is to perform these procedures as early as 6 to 18 weeks of age, provided they are healthy and robust enough to undergo surgery.
The Cat Breeder’s Perspective: Genetic Protection
From a cat breeder’s perspective, the decision to spay or neuter kittens can also be a strategic one. Cat breeders might opt to spay or neuter their kittens at an earlier age to protect their breeding lines and genetics.
This approach not only ensures the health of individual kittens but also aids in maintaining the integrity and exclusivity of their breeding programs.
Ideally, for those kittens that are not intended to be bred later in their life, they could therefore all leave the cattery already spayed and neutered. Then, it is not uncommon for those procedures therefore to be performed around 3 months.
Contextual Decision-Making
As you understand now, the decision to spay or neuter is often a matter of context. Each case should be evaluated on its own merits, taking into account the kitten’s health, living conditions, and the potential for reproduction as well.
For example, a kitten living in a multi-cat household or in an area with a high density of stray cats may be spayed or neutered earlier to prevent unwanted pregnancies.
Conversely, in a controlled environment where the risk of reproduction is minimal, the procedure might be scheduled a bit later, aligning with the kitten’s health and developmental stage.
Ultimately, the decision to spay or neuter, particularly when it should be done, is not a one-size-fits-all solution. While it is ideal to do this between 4-5 months, you can see why we have some leg-room here to fine-tune our decision.
It’s a complex equation that balances the animal’s well-being with broader societal and environmental considerations. Understanding this balance is crucial in making informed decisions that benefit both individual cats and the whole feline population.
Addressing Common Concerns
When discussing the early spaying and neutering of kittens, it’s crucial to address common concerns and dispel prevalent myths. This part of the decision-making equation often involves weighing potential risks against the significant benefits of early procedures.
Surgical and Anesthetic Complications
One of the primary concerns raised about early spaying/neutering is the risk of surgical or anesthetic complications.
Good news: studies and surveys have shown that early spays/neuters, performed on kittens as young as six weeks, are generally safer, faster, and easier than similar surgeries on older cats.
Modern anesthetic drugs and protocols are safe and effective for pediatric and juvenile patients, including kittens as young as 6 to 14 weeks of age. Precautions such as maintaining body temperature during surgery and minimizing fasting time help manage risks like hypothermia and hypoglycemia.
This is always something worth discussing with your veterinarian because in the end, it is just about being confident and knowledgeable about the techniques and protocols that can be used for these procedures.
Looking for alternatives to surgery? Well – there are some actually! I discuss them in this blog here:
The Landscape of Cat Spaying: Past, Present & Future
Urinary Obstruction in Male Cats
A specific concern for male cats is the myth that early neutering leads to a smaller penis size and predisposes them to urinary tract obstructions. This myth has been debunked by several studies now, which demonstrated no difference in urethral diameter between cats neutered at 7 weeks, neutered at 7 months, or left intact.
None of the studies have shown an increased incidence of urinary obstruction among neutered male cats.
Orthopedic Issues
Concerns regarding orthopedic issues have arisen mainly from studies on large breed dogs. It’s important to note that these findings should not be extrapolated to cats.
To date, no similar studies have found a relationship between early spay/neuter and orthopedic conditions in cats, even in giant cats like Maine Coons for instance.
Behavioural Problems
Behavioral isresues are another area of concern. A prospective study in 2014, which tracked undesirable behaviors in cats sterilized at either 8 to 12 weeks or at 6 to 9 months, found no evidence that the age at the time of sterilization affected the occurrence of undesirable behaviors.
This study suggests that early sterilization does not contribute to behavioral problems in cats.
If you are interested in learning more about some other potential consequences of spaying and neutering in cats I did not discuss here, check this blog:
LH Chronicles: Exploring the Long Term Effects of Spaying & Neutering in Cats
Kitten Wellness Protocols and Vaccination Timing
Incorporating early spaying and neutering into kitten wellness protocols is an essential aspect of modern veterinary care. This approach not only aligns with the health needs of kittens but also integrates seamlessly with their vaccination schedules.
Integration with Vaccination Schedules
Most veterinary practices have established comprehensive kitten wellness protocols that include a series of vaccinations and parasite control measures from about 6 weeks to 4 months of age. Integrating spaying and neutering into this timeline is a straightforward process.
Typically, the spaying or neutering appointment is added 2 to 3 weeks after the final vaccination. This timing ensures that kittens are fully immunized before undergoing surgery, reducing the risk of postoperative infections and complications.
It also ensures that the procedures are performed before kittens reach sexual maturity, thereby preventing unwanted pregnancies and associated health risks.
The Role of Kitten Growth Charts
An important tool in monitoring the health and development of kittens undergoing early spaying/neutering are kitten growth charts. Recent studies have shown that kittens that are spayed or neutered tend to grow differently compared to their unaltered counterparts. They often grow faster and may experience more significant fat mass gain, which can increase the risk of becoming overweight.
Monitoring a kitten’s growth is thus essential in preventing obesity and associated health issues; and I think kitten growth charts are game-changers in this regard.
They allow veterinarians and pet owners to track the growth of kittens quantitatively and make informed decisions about their diet and health. By regularly charting a kitten’s growth, any deviations from the expected growth patterns can be quickly identified and addressed. Adjusting feeding amounts and ensuring proper nutrition become more manageable and effective with the aid of these charts.
Preventing overweight in kittens is particularly crucial after spaying or neutering, as these procedures can alter metabolic rates and appetite. Regular monitoring using growth charts helps in adjusting feeding regimens to maintain a healthy weight. This proactive approach is essential for ensuring the long-term health and well-being of kittens.
The landscape of recommendations for spaying and neutering kittens has undergone significant changes over the years, evolving towards earlier intervention. Reflecting on these changes, I believe this shift is decidedly for the better. It represents a progressive understanding of feline health and a commitment to addressing the challenges of pet overpopulation and individual cat welfare.
It’s important to remember that spaying or neutering your kitten is not an endpoint; it’s the beginning of an entire new chapter in your pet’s life. This procedure opens the door to a future with fewer health risks, a more stable temperament, and potentially a longer life. As a veterinarian, I’ve witnessed the positive outcomes that result from these procedures. So you see, it is not just a routine decision, but a foundational step in your kitten’s journey towards a healthy, fulfilling life.
Spaying & Neutering in kittens is a topic surrounded by myths, outdated practices, and concerns.
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DR. EMMANUEL FONTAINE 