I just arranged to get another female kitten, but my app 3 month old male kitten just sprayed for the 1st time. Should I get him fixed asap, or should i give him another month? I'm wondering if he'll spray more once the other kitten is around (she's about 8-10 weeks) if I wait. I'm also not sure if I should get him fixed before I even bring her in, or will that make any difference when they're both still young & not sexually mature? Thanks!
2007-07-01 22:06:37 · 25 answers · asked by curiousgirl 2 in Pets ➔ Cats
To avoid confusion, he was found as a stray, & I thought you had to wait a few months to get them fixed because they're more developed & stronger, & also it's easier for the vets to perform the surgery. I certainly wouldn't have arranged to get the other kitten had I realized he had sprayed (literally a couple hours later). However, I'm seeing all sorts of answers, not just here, but everywhere: 8 weeks (isn't that a bit young?!), 3 months, to 6 months! So what's the 'real' answer? I need to pick up the other kitty soon (I already paid), & I want to ease any stress on him with bringing in a newcomer & having him fixed around the same time as much as possible.
2007-07-01 23:47:34 · update #1
Hi there...generally, it's best to have your cat neutered as soon as possible so that the spraying doesn't become habitual and more difficult to cease the instinctual behaviour. By bringing another cat into the home will only encourage his spraying behaviour since this is what male cats will do to mark territory and is natural for them. When cats spray it means they have become sexually mature. Three months is early for males to become sexually mature, but not unheard of.
More about why cats spray: http://www.cat-world.com.au/FelineSpraying.htm
2007-07-01 22:27:55 · answer #1 · answered by ♪ Seattle ♫ 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The answer is "as young as your vet will do it". Most vets wait until about 4 months.
I doubt that your male cat actually "sprayed". He probably just peed. The two are vastly different and it's the smell that will let you know when it knocks you to the floor!
Keep your litter box sparkly clean and rid of waste. I recommend EverClean cat litter. More expensive in the short run, but far superior. btw ... do NOT let a small kitty near clumping cat litter. They have a tendency to get the litter in their mouths, eyes, etc. and it can be a real big problem!
2007-07-09 15:49:15 · answer #2 · answered by granniegrump 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Eight weeks is not too young, so long as he is over 800gm (2 lb)
If he has started spraying, then that is more of a reason for castrating him NOW. It will become learned behavior and will be difficult ( if not impossible) to break
Get the female spayed as well.
A survey was sent to cat breeders and judges around the world in regard to early desexing and all agreed early desexing not only didn't harm the kittens, but improved the temperament.
Once a kitten has reached sexual maturity there are many more habits to break and you have the hormonal surge to contend with.
2007-07-02 01:43:02 · answer #3 · answered by Feline Female 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It's best to wait until the cat is 5 months old to neuter him, since bits and pieces are only matured enough then, and there's a good chance if you do it sooner that he will continue to spray. I was talking to my vet about this yesterday when I was enquiring aobut my cat needing to be done, he's only 8 weeks old. That's too young. If you wait until then, there's only a 3% chance of the spraying continuing.
2007-07-08 16:41:10 · answer #4 · answered by Unicornrider 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is best to neuter a male cat as soon as the vet will allow, otherwise he will begin to spray. If a male cat is allowed to become mature before being neutered he may retain the spraying habit. And then nothing will stop him from spraying. It is very discouraging to have a cat that you love perform this offensive and destructive habit.
The spray is very concentrated and difficult to eliminate the smell. Once they start this, it is difficult, if not impossible to stop.
Also, any change in their environment that causes stress, may very likely, cause them to spray.
It is best for everyone[ cat and owner] to stop this at a very young age.
2007-07-09 17:43:23 · answer #5 · answered by sasha1641 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Many people here have encouraged getting him fixed asap, and I agree whole heartedly. Once they start spraying it is very difficult to get them to stop even after being fixed. I have a white cat (adopted) who was not fixed and had been spraying awhile. three years later and am still trying to get him to stop spraying.
2007-07-08 17:12:46 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most will recommend to get them fixed at around 4-6 months, but actually I found out cats can be fixed as early as 8 weeks. It really depends on your situation. Look at this website for more details: http://www.catchow.com/catcarecenter_physical3.aspx?combinedID=20099
2007-07-08 13:38:29 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
paediatric spaying and neutering is becoming more and more popular. Although it is still more expensive. If you cat is already spraying you need to ensure that there are no other "smells" of cat in the house. COnsider using a specialized soap for pet smells.
2007-07-06 06:21:45 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i am not sure about the age for spaying or neutering so call your local vet and ask but i do know that if you dont get it done he will continue to spray and he will find a favorite place to do this he is marking his territory and your house will smell BAD. and there is nothing you can do to get rid of the smell. i had a female cat that sprayed my house and i had to remove the carpets to get rid of the smell.
2007-07-07 16:26:29 · answer #9 · answered by Noahs Ark 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think male cats get neutered at 6 months old. Are you sure about his age? It is strange that he started spraying so early.
2007-07-02 01:43:00 · answer #10 · answered by cpinatsi 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋