Spaying and Neutering

In speaking with a friend who adopted a 8 week old kitten, from our local shelter, the kitten had already been spayed?!
Is this common practice? I asked my vet and all she would say is that we'll do it just before first heat but, she wanted Bella to be bigger. Thoughts?

It is acceptable veterinary practice now to spay/neuter once a cat reaches 2 pounds in weight, usually about 8 weeks in age.  Depending on where you live shelters may be required by law to spay/neuter before they adopt, and vet practice has adjusted to this.

Ok. I did not know this. Any particular reason my vet would wait?

Your vet may be a bit more old school, or may just not be used to doing it on kittens that young.  There is nothing wrong with waiting however particularly as your vet said, you do it before first heat.

Well, she's set to go at the beginning of Sept!

ok!