How old should a cat be when you get it spayed?

Question

We don't want to let the cat out until it is spayed, but we do want it to be an outdoor cat? What is the minimum age for fixing a female cat?

Answer 1

I think from 3 months up to a year.. I do know however, of cats that were spayed at 2 years which I am sure is OK also but for less wear and tear on the poor kitty.. I think the time period stated above is good

Answer 2

Cat's can be spayed at 5-6 months of age. Some adoption agencies are now spaying them at a VERY young age of 12 weeks or so BUT they should not be spayed any younger than that. Some still like to go with the general 5 months, and it's quite possible you wont be able to find a vet that will do it that young. But you definately want to have her spayed before she is 6 months, any time after that she could have her first heat cycle, the have their cycles every 6 months or so. Before making her an outside cat, you may want to make sure that she has been tested for feline leukemia/aids. (I would do that before she's spayed) And definately make sure she's vaccinated for leukemia.

Answer 3

Some of the information being given is out of date. :-\

The shelter I worked at spayed as early as 8 weeks provided the animal was at least 2 lbs and I have NEVER seen a problem. This was done by vets at one of the more well known shelters in the country. Pediatric spay neuter has been around for a lot longer than most people realize and is safe. It was not unusual for the puppies and kittens to be bouncing around in their carriers on the way home because they bounce back from surgery so quickly. I have not seen stunted growth in the 12 of mine that were done “early”, many of which are larger cats.

Many private practice vets are also starting to do the surgery earlier now too, so ask I would suggest asking around. Some where I live now still wait till later, but my vet will do the surgery at 12 weeks. (My puppy just got spayed a few weeks ago and was so hyper after surgery I think they were happy to see her leave!) Thank you for being a responsible owner and getting your kitty spayed!

Answer 4

Agree with the_bad_cats' answer. A lot of the advice given about the neutering of cats is out of date.
The debate goes on, but more and more vets are spaying and castrating when the kittens are a few weeks old. It is safe and they recover a lot faster.
It is also a fallacy that the females "have to have a litter or reach sexual maturity before desexing because outherwise they will not be fullfilled". They are not humans who are ruled by feelings, they are animals ruled by hormones and instincts.
Shelters de-sex the animals before they leave, be they kittens or adults.
It is up to you if you want an indoor or outdoor cat, but I would advise that she be in at night. That is when they hunt and are more likely to be injured on roads, etc.

Answer 5

I personally have never heard of a cat that has been spayed at 6 weeks, and from what I understand you would be hard pressed to find a vet that would do it before 6 months, which is when they start to go into heat(give or take a moth or two). I have owned cats my whole life and i wouldn't recommend doing it before that time.

Answer 6

The general rule for early spay/neuter is 8 weeks old and at least 2lbs.

Most vets recommend anytime between 4 and 6 months.

Why do you want to be an outside cat? If you care about your cat's well-being, please read this and reconsider.
http://www.wsoctv.com/pets/7261841/detail.html

I saw an episode of Emergency Vets last week where a cat was brought in after coming home that morning because of its "drunken" demeanor. It had gotten into antifreeze, and it was too late for the vets to even try to save her life. As I watched the owner cry over her dead cat, it was hard to feel bad for her. Since a little reading and extra care on her part could've prevented the whole thing. I just felt bad for the cat who wasn't lucky enough to get an owner smart enough to keep her safe.

Answer 7

Shelters in the US have been spaying and neutering kittens routinely at two months of age, prior to adoption. So you can find many humane society clinics who will do it when the kitten is quite young. Vets stubbornly stick to their six month criteria and many kittens have their first heat at five months. You might be able to get your vet to do it at five months and I would strongly urge you to find one who will if you don't go the clinic route.

The Winn Feline Health Institute did a long-term study of early spay/netuer and found there were no health consequences to doing at the early age.

However young you can do it for your kitten that is not a good reason for letting it outside. Especially since the winter months are coming, next spring with daylight saving time is best (I don't ever think it's best for a cat to be outside.)

Answer 8

the best age is just before six months. The SPCA and many vets will do it sooner, but having estrogen in their system for a longer time during their early growth process is beneficial to their development and longevity. after 9 cats and 20 years, i have seen the difference in the 2 i got that were spayed too early. it is not a life and death decision, it is just better for the cat to wait until just before sexual maturity - because you really want to avoid a cat in heat!

Answer 9

At least 6 months of age is best. Some vets do not recommend spaying kittens that are weeks old.

Answer 10

my kitten was 9 1/2 weeks old.
i got mine from the frontier animal society.
i thought that was 'too' young but the caregivers said that some vets see no problem when they are that young as long as they are in good health when it's done.
i have had my kitten for a month and so far she is just like any other kitten her age. except she's 'very' cuddly. which i think is a good thing. lol. she is an indoor cat only going out on harness and leash.
she's doing very good.
i wish you luck with your new kitten.
good day.