Have a cat she's 5 months old. I was told to not get her spayed yet, what do you thinK?

Question

I think it's time! But my vet told me that they usually spay cats who are at least 6 months old. I dont want to wait, my last cat got pregnant before 6 months. What should I do? I dont want to hurt her, but I dont want any kittens either.

Answer 1

There is no harm in getting her spayed now. It's much better for her to have it done before she starts going into heat. And yes, cats as young as 4 months can have their first heat cycle. You are right to be hesitant about waiting. If your vet flat out refuses, you can always go to another vet or to a low cost spay/neuter clinic. Normally, I would say go with whatever a vet says, but in this case, you don't have to listen.

Human societies and other rescue organizations routinely spay and neuter cats as young as 12 weeks. Personally, I'm not sure I'd do it that young, but 5 months is perfectly ok. The concern in waiting mostly comes from making sure they weigh enough to be under anesthesia.

Answer 2

Take her to another Vet if yours won't spay her! My cat Mia was 5 months old when she was spayed. And the Vet said she was in heat .she didn't act like it.The Vets charge more if the cat is in heat and I have a felling that is what the case will be if you wait until she is 6 months old. Maybe the Vet wants the extra money. Sorry but that was my first thought.

Answer 3

So you "don't believe in cat abortions"? So you think YOUR kittens have more a right to live than the shelter cats and kittens that will be PUT TO DEATH at your local shelter since you'll take homes from them? That's pretty selfish - and cruel. And fact is, being only five months old - a freaking KITTEN herself - your kitten may very well DIE while giving birth to these kittens since though she's hormonally ready to be pregnant her body really ISN'T. Why on earth didn't you get her spayed? And let me guess - you allowed her to run around outdoors and that's how she got pregnant? If that's so then she may have contracted Feline Leukemia and both she and all these kittens will die. How very, very sad that people like you exist. Shame on you. edit: Volunteer_Gal - Purrfect Pals is the Northwest's largest no-kill shelter and kittens are spayed and neutered at eight weeks and two pounds. Which shelter are you claiming is the "Northwest's largest"?

Answer 4

Listen to your vet and keep her inside until you can get her spayed.

I have a female cat that was spayed way too early (she wasn't allowed to go into her first heat) and the poor girl is disproportionate. She has a small kitten head and a cat body. It doesn't bother her, but they are now finding that spaying/neutering animals too early can also cause health problems. So, I would do what the vet is recommending - they have access to the most current informaton on such things and know best.

Answer 5

Listen to Jenn. She is 100% correct that you should question the vet in this case and go someplace else if your vet refuses to do the surgery. I've been told by many breeders that some cats, especially orientals can go into heat as early as 4 months and I've also been told that it is much healthier for the cat to get it spayed before it's first heat.

Answer 6

I researched some trying to find a good answer for your question and at http://dede.essortment.com/catsspayneuter_reta.htm they say, "Veterinarians disagree on the optimal time for spaying. Some believe that it should be performed after the cat's first heat at six to eight months of age to ensure the development of a normal adult body shape and to have the least effect on the neuro-endocrine system. But many others think that spaying is most effective in preventing health problems as well as unplanned pregnancies in the period before the cat’s first heat, from eight weeks old to six months of age." It seems that if the dr waits until her ovaries are fully functional, it would he harder on her system to adapt.

Answer 7

My kitty's vet said the proper time to spay is between 4 and 6 months of age. I got my girl fixed when she was about five months old, and she did so great. I can't see any reason for waiting at this point.

Answer 8

My cat was spayed early because she needed hernia surgery that could not wait, and the Vet was right... she never developed the typical "cat" shape and proportions... she always had a kittenish look about her. There may be health issues involved as well, but we felt both should be done at the same time, rather than put her through two separate procedures.

Answer 9

My sisters kitten got spayed at 3 months old. My cat Buster(I got him from a shelter at age 3 months) was neutered before I was allowed to bring him home....

Answer 10

Not all clinics will do an early neuter, but many will. If you wait longer than 6 months she will go into heat. I would call around if I were you. The earliest you can do it is 4 to 4.5 months. I dont know if this is the case in every country, but it is available in the United States.