You are preventing more than just the birth of unwanted kittens when you get your cat spayed or neutered. You are also protecting them from some serious health conditions. Today, our Douglasville vets discuss the best age to have your kitten fixed as well as the benefits of having your cat spayed or neutered.
What are Spay and Neuter Procedures?
We refer to having your cat "fixed" when we talk about having your pet spayed or neutered in a more general sense. While spaying involves removing the reproductive organs from female pets, neutering involves removing the testicles from male animals.
When is the Best Time to Spay or Neuter a Kitten?
Various people have different ideas about the best time to neuter or spay your cat. Standard spay and neuter procedures are typically carried out at around five to six months of age, whereas early or pediatric procedures are typically performed at about six to eight weeks of age. However, if your cat is healthy, these procedures can be done at any point in their life. Therefore, it is never too late to spay or neuter your cat; even healthy cats who are in their teens can undergo this procedure without risk.
As kittens can start reproducing when they are as young as 4 to 6 months of age you might want to have your kitty 'fixed' before they reach puberty, or have their first heat cycle to prevent accidental pregnancy or certain health conditions.
It's always best to talk to your veterinarian so they can inform you when the best time is to have your kitten spayed/ neutered.
The Benefits of Getting Your Female Cat Spayed
One female cat and her progeny are thought to be capable of producing up to 420,000 kittens in just seven years. A major factor in reducing the number of unwanted kittens in your neighborhood is having your female cat fixed.
Looking past the prevention of unwanted kittens, having your female cat spayed has a handful of health benefits. For example, there's less risk of your cat developing malignant mammary tumors later in life if she is spayed before her first heat cycle.
Spaying can also help keep your cat from developing an infection of the uterus, and developing cancers of the reproductive organs.
Spaying might 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 having your male cat neutered include a reduced risk of your cat 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.
The desire for your male cat to roam in search of females may be diminished by neutering him. Less wanderlust lowers the possibility of suffering injuries from long-distance auto accidents.
Having your male cat fixed may also help to prevent him from spraying around your home and property to mark his territory, and will prevent your cat from fathering countless kittens.
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.