By having your kitten spayed or neutered, you're doing more than preventing unwanted litters - you're also protecting your feline companion's health. Here, our Benton vets answer the question, 'When is the best time to spay or neuter a kitten?' and explain the benefits of this surgical procedure.
Spaying & Neutering for Kittens
When people talk about getting their young cat 'fixed', they're referring to the spaying or neutering procedure. While a veterinarian sterilizes a male pet by removing their testicles, female pets will be sterilized by having their reproductive organs removed.
When is It Safe to Spay or Neuter a Kitten?
Our vets are often asked, "What is the best age to spay or neuter a kitten?". Cat parents sometimes wonder how old kittens have to be to get fixed or when the safest time is to have the procedure done. There are many different views on this topic.
An early or pediatric spay or neuter procedure can be done when your kitten is between six and eight weeks old. Most often, standard spay and neuter procedures are performed when kittens are between five and six months old.
On the other hand, when is it too late to spay or neuter a cat? These procedures can be completed any time during your cat's life, as long as they are healthy. Therefore, it is never too late to have your cat spayed or neutered. This is a routine procedure that can even be done on healthy adult cats.
When Can Kittens Start to Reproduce?
Kittens can have kitties of their own by the time they are four to six months of age. You might want to have your young four-legged friend 'fixed' before puberty or their first heat cycle occurs to avoid accidental pregnancy or certain health conditions that we'll discuss below.
The Benefits of Having Your Female Cat Spayed
Having your female cat fixed can greatly reduce the number of unwanted kittens living in your community.
This procedure also offers several health benefits for your female cat's internal health. For example, if your cat is spayed before her first heat cycle, she is less likely to develop malignant mammary tumors later in life.
Spaying can also help prevent uterine infections and cancers of the reproductive organs. It may also help eliminate several unwanted behaviors in female cats, such as increased and overly intense affection, heat-induced howling, excessive rubbing on objects, the desire to wander, and marking territory with urine.
The Benefits of Getting Your Female Cat Spayed
Having your female cat fixed can greatly reduce the number of unwanted kittens living in your community.
This procedure also has several health benefits for your female cat's long-term systemic health. For example, if your cat is spayed before her first heat cycle, she is less likely to develop malignant mammary tumors later in life.
Spaying can also help prevent your cat from developing uterine infections and cancers of the reproductive organs. It may also help eliminate several unwanted female cat behaviors, such as heat-induced howling, increased and overly intense affection, intense rubbing on objects, marking territory with urine, and the desire to wander.
The Benefits of Having Your Male Cat Neutered
Some health benefits of neutering your male cat include a reduced risk of developing prostate or testicular cancer.
Male cats that are neutered often show less inclination to fight with other male cats, helping to reduce the risk of serious injuries caused by fighting.
Neutering your male cat may also reduce his desire to roam in search of females. Less desire to roam contributes to a lower risk of injury from traffic accidents as they travel long distances. Having your male cat fixed may also help prevent him from spraying around your home and property to mark his territory and prevent your cat from fathering countless kittens.
Are There Risks Involved in Spaying or Neutering My Kitten?
Spaying and neutering are common surgical procedures, but they still need to be performed by a qualified and experienced veterinarian. Any veterinary surgery requiring general anesthesia involves some degree of risk.
However, the advantages of spaying or neutering a kitten will outweigh the disadvantages in most cases.
What Should I Expect While My Kitten Recovers From Spay or Neuter Surgery?
Your vet can recommend pain management techniques and prescribe pain medication if necessary. Though your kitten may be recovering well and feeling playful, do not let him or her run around before they have healed.
You can help ensure your kitten has a comfortable, safe recovery from a spaying or neutering procedure by taking some of these precautions:
- Check your kitten's incision daily to ensure it’s healing correctly. If you notice swelling, discharge, redness, or a foul odor, contact your vet immediately, as this could be a sign of infection that requires emergency veterinary care.
- Contact your vet if your kitten seems lethargic or uncomfortable, has a reduced or non-existent appetite, has diarrhea, or is vomiting.
- Have your kitten wear a cone or another accessory that will help prevent them from licking their incision site, which could lead to infection. Your vet can recommend the appropriate cone for your kitten.
- Refrain from bathing your kitten for at least ten days following surgery.
- Do not allow your kitten to run around or jump for up to two weeks after surgery (or as long as your vet advises).
- Keep your kitten inside, away from other animals as they recover
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.