I'd like to know what is the earliest a cat can be neutered. BUT I don't want to know the ideal circumstances, which I know is at 5-7 months old. I need to find the earliest, because I have taken a feral kitten to the vet for an eye problem. The kitten will be operated, but he has lost an eye already. He will go back to being a feral cat, in his neighbourhood where I found him, so we won't have the chance to catch him again, but I don't want him to get into cat fights with one eye. he can't afford to lose another eye. The vet says he can be neutered later, but I am under the impression that in the US you neuter them much earlier!
2007-08-03 06:39:17 · 21 answers · asked by cpinatsi 7 in Pets ➔ Cats
At the vet hospital where I work, we usually neuter kittens when they weigh four pounds, which is at about 3 1/2 to 4 months of age.
However, studies have shown that earlier neutering and spaying does no harm and the cats mature normally. Many animal shelters neuter and spay kittens at the earliest age they allow them to be adopted, which is usually at 8 weeks.
2007-08-03 06:43:51 · answer #1 · answered by Kayty 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Cats can be neutered at a very young age..like you said the ideal age would be when it is around 6 months..but in this circumstance...definitely get him neutered while under anesthesia for the eye surgery..there is no reason not to, it is a simple procedure that will take the doctor like 5 extra minutes. Cats are neutered in pounds as early as 8 weeks of age. Not always recommended...but unfortuneately necessary, since owners will not do it on their own.
2007-08-03 07:28:10 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes - a lot shelters here now spay and neuter kittens and puppies once they are eight weeks in age and two pounds in weight. Not only is this an easier operation for the animal but it assures the shelter that they are adopting out an animal that can not breed. Past procedure was to wait under the animals were six months of age. This meant that if an animal was under that age it was adopted out intact with the promise of the adopter to return the animal at six months of age for the surgery. Unfortunately a lot of people would end up breeding their animals despite their promise.
Here's an article with info about early spay/neuter - http://www.spayneuterservices.org/juvenilespayneuter.pdf
2007-08-03 07:22:58 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The vet will know for sure the absolute earliest. We all understand what is "ideal". Some vets will spay/neuter as young as 2 or 3 months.
2007-08-03 06:43:31 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Vets are ABLE to spay or neuter at 6 - 8 wks, but some vets are unwilling to do it. Call around until you find a vet who will do it for you.
Don't talk to the receptionist - make sure you talk to the vet. Explain that it is a feral cat that you will be releasing.
Good for you and good luck!
2007-08-03 06:45:23 · answer #5 · answered by buterfly_2_lovely 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I used to rescue feral cats and kittens, and several of my rescues were spayed/neutered at roughly 10 weeks.
If your vet refuses to neuter him at 10 weeks, call another local vet and get their opinion. In some regions of the US, there may be laws regarding this issue, so its best to check with your local Department of Animal Care & Control, or your local SPCA chapter.
2007-08-03 06:45:38 · answer #6 · answered by GodlyGothboy 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A healthy male kitten can be neutered as early as 8 weeks. You're vet won't neuter him if he/she thinksit is a risk to his health. You will have to keep him for a few days while he recovers, though. Keep him some place quiet and away from people.
Good for you! It is very responsible of you to help out a cat in need. Don't tell the vet you plan to let him go back to being wild.
2007-08-03 06:50:32 · answer #7 · answered by Yup Yup Yuppers 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I would say that neutering now is the best idea. You may not catch him again. If he is not neutered, he will be likely to challenge other cats for territory, which will result in fights. Is there a feral cat rescue in your area?
2007-08-03 06:48:04 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
as long as your cat is healthy (besides the eye) and the vet feels comfortable doing the surgery, the best ides would be to have the neuter done at the same time as the eye surgery, since your cat will already be put asleep for the eye surgery, and it will be easier on him only being put under once.
2007-08-03 07:11:46 · answer #9 · answered by roodle18 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
We had 2 kittens neutered (both boys) at 3 months.. at 2 different vet clinics. and we are in the US. One was getting declawed at the same time, the other was just in for getting neutered. It just depends on the vet doing it, I think.
2007-08-03 06:48:37 · answer #10 · answered by Diane S 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋