We follow the current recommendations of the ASPCA and the American
Veterinary Medical Association for early neutering of all pet kittens
before they go to their new homes.*
Compared with neutering at a later age, early neutering between
8 and 16 weeks old has been shown to result in a faster, easier
recovery. Reproductive organs of young kittens compared to older kittens
are quite small and undeveloped, which means their removal potentially causes
less bleeding, less pain, and healing is rapid. In the years (since 1996)
that we have been doing early neuter, we have been continually fascinated
at the way young kittens are up and playing and eating normally only 12 hours
after surgery. In contrast, older kittens and adult cats, especially the
females, are lethargic and not eating for a week after surgery, apparently
because of pain.
Veterinary research studies have not found any convincing evidence of
ill effects of early neutering compared to neutering at age 6 months or
age 12 months. In fact, early neutering seems to offer only advantages over
neutering at older ages. In addition to faster and easier recovery, kittens
neutered early apparently achieve slightly greater adult size and have a
lower risk of mammary cancer. Kittens that are neutered early are less likely
to develop aggressive behavior and urine spraying habits compared to early
maturing kittens neutered at later ages. For more information about early
neuter, please read the following articles:
From the University of Illinois
Early Spay/Neuter: An Overview
Winn Feline Foundation Report on
Early
Spay/Neuter in the Cat
Early Age
Spay and Neuter in the Cat
