confusion about erm...well, you know

myfamwy · Feb 1, 2005

I hate to even mention this, but as a mum to a 10 month old kitten, I think it's about time I broached the subject! I've always grown up with older stray or rescue cats, so the problem's never come up before! but I was given a 2 month old kitten in May last year (so he's now 10 months old) and I'm wondering when's the best time to get him...er...(whisper it)...*done*
I believe that toms aren't sexually active til 12 months, but I've also read that if they're operated on whilst they're still playful they'll remain young at heart and I have to say, I don't fancy having a 2 year old cat chewing on my arm with his claws out. Frankly it's enough to have a 10 month old Spike attaching himself to my forearm! Any advice would be welcomed!

pat · Feb 1, 2005

Oh it's time! I've had males become sexually active by 6 months...with Spring coming, and all the "temptations" on the wind, I'd get his little beehind in to the vet asap.

dawnofsierra · Feb 1, 2005

I agree, Spike should be neutered as soon as possible!

julya · Feb 1, 2005

Hmm. It's not a surgery thing that keeps them young at heart. It's a personality thing.

I got Bert and Ernie neutered when they were about 4 months old. I was originally planning it for about 6 months but thier ball were getting huge. LOL. So, the vet and I decided that it was time before the had any ummm, should we say accidents?! Anyways, it sounds like it's about time for Spike to get neutered.

jen · Feb 1, 2005

Ya it sure is time, I had my kitten neutered at 12 weeks. We say 12 weeks or 2 lbs, whichever comes first.

gratefulbear629 · Feb 1, 2005

12 weeks is pretty young. I work at an animal hospital and we try to keep it at 6 months. It's not good for them to be put under at such a young age.

pat · Feb 1, 2005

Actually, this has been discussed recently, early spay and neuter is very safe and has been done for many years now, by shelters and responsible breeders. I posted a link to a good winn foundation article in another thread, by a vet, that addresses some of the misconceptions about the safety of early spay and neuter. It requires care, and of course a different anethesia protocol, but yes, they can alter at 12 weeks or at 2 lbs. of weight.

diane8704 · Feb 2, 2005

I think that now is a good time to get him "fixed". If you wait, he may start spraying your house (furniture, curtains...things like that) to mark his territory, and then he may never stop spraying! Also, if hes an inside cat, the chances of a quick escape are more likely. I know at my vet, you drop them off at 7 in the morning, and then pick them up around 5. So, it's a day long procedure.
Some cats are just frisky...being neutered doesnt really effect it, I dont think.

jen · Feb 2, 2005

Originally Posted by GratefulBear629

12 weeks is pretty young. I work at an animal hospital and we try to keep it at 6 months. It's not good for them to be put under at such a young age.

I have heard a lot of vets that still have old fashioned ideas that you must wait until 6 months. All the vets around here will do it at 12 weeks or 2 lbs. And I made a mistake, if the cat is 12 weeks and isn't 2 lbs they will wait until at least 2 lbs. I said that backwards before. Obviously if the cat is sick or the age is questionable, they will wait a little longer just to be sure.

turtlecat · Feb 2, 2005

By the way, Getting him neutered will lower the .. err.. aggression factor. so I suspect, the chomping on your arm business will lessen.

gratefulbear629 · Feb 2, 2005

Originally Posted by Jen

I have heard a lot of vets that still have old fashioned ideas that you must wait until 6 months. All the vets around here will do it at 12 weeks or 2 lbs. And I made a mistake, if the cat is 12 weeks and isn't 2 lbs they will wait until at least 2 lbs. I said that backwards before. Obviously if the cat is sick or the age is questionable, they will wait a little longer just to be sure.

I guess it also depends on where you are from. Where I work is in Trenton, NJ -- which isn't the nicest neighborhood, by far! Taking into consideration the people we deal with -- we don't make all that much money. We recently got a laser machine for surgeries and new blood testing machines but it takes a while to save up that extra money for new equipment.

I guess it is just better to be safe than sorry.

jen · Feb 2, 2005

Ya thats true, sorry I didn't mean for that to sound like I meant it in a rude way or anything.

mom of franz · Feb 2, 2005

Originally Posted by Pat & Alix

Actually, this has been discussed recently, early spay and neuter is very safe and has been done for many years now, by shelters and responsible breeders. I posted a link to a good winn foundation article in another thread, by a vet, that addresses some of the misconceptions about the safety of early spay and neuter. It requires care, and of course a different anethesia protocol, but yes, they can alter at 12 weeks or at 2 lbs. of weight.

Oh I loved your choice of words...but then as Freud said, "Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar!"

confusion about erm...well, you know

myfamwy

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pat

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dawnofsierra

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julya

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jen

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gratefulbear629

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pat

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diane8704

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jen

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turtlecat

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gratefulbear629

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jen

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mom of franz

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