Spay/Nueter Question

Can anyone tell me at what age is the earliest to have a kitten "fixed"? I called the local animal shelter today and they said they can do it now as long as the kittens weigh 2 pounds (they are nine weeks old). However, I'm a little scared to get them fixed so young. Are there any downfalls to having them fixed at such a young age? One of my adoptees would like her kitten nuetered before she takes him home in a week. Thanks.

That's a little too young in my book. It's not terrible but the risk of complication would be increased. The only time we would get a kitten fixed that young is if they are 100% feral and we were releasing them back outside. And even in that case would would juts keep them longer and let then get a bit older before doing it.

why is she so insistent on it? Are you paying for it? Is she worried you wont pay for it later? I would suggest it's better is she waits a little bit and explain it's not the healthiest option for the kitten. And if she still insists then I personally would question her concern for the kittens health re-evaluate the adoption. But that's me, I'm picky

First off it is called pediatric spay or neuter. A really great thing that I wish all vets would start to promote and do more often.

I always have mine spayed or neutered around this time. 2 lbs is fine and I really don't like waiting to 6 months like some older vets still do. There is so much that could happen by then. It is a smart idea to do it as young as possible. Definately go for it. That way you know they will be fixed before going to a new home. I have never known or seen a problem to come from it plus kittens recover almost immediately. Some vets just aren't comfortable with it yet because the kittens bodies are so small and the parts they remove are so tiny. I think it is better to do it this young because they recover almost immediately. i would do it especially if your vet said they will. I think all shelters should start doing this to cut back on the chance of adoptees not geting the kittens fixed.

Jen, I thought it was more of an issue with the anesthesia? I know most doctors will wait on a surgery for a child when putting them under if the surgery isn't an emergency.

That being said we don't live in a perfect world and if the vet gives his ok and the adoptee is a very good home then there are worst things in the world.

They estimated the age of Mia my rescue kitten at 7 to 8 weeks and they did her spay. It really depends on the vet and at what age they spay/neuter their kittens. Each vet is different.

I have never heard of any problems with early spay/neuter. Mia was back to normal the very next day.

Ya usually it is just if the vet is a little more old fashioned that they say to wait until 6 months. I would definately get a new vet if they say to wait that long. You don't have to do it just yet if you don't want, but I wouldn't wait past 4.5 months or so since they CAN get pregnant by then.

As far as the anethesia question, blueshirt, I think that's why they wait until the kitten weighs 2 lbs.... I am a huge fan of pediatric spay and neuter, I firmly believe that cat overpopulation could be seriously curbed if every rescue group/humane society/animals shelter would alter their animals before they ever left the facility, because obviously the new owners cannot always be entrusted with this task. Also Jen and snosrap5 are right in that kittens have amazing recovery time

My rescue has gone to pediatric spay/neuter, and we have had no problems at all. There are studies showing that it is safe. They have followed these kittens for years to be sure it doesn't have a negative impact.

I agree that any vet who will not spay/neuter before 6 months is not up to date on the latest information. I'm not saying every vet will have experience with the 2 pound cats, but 6 months?!? How many animals are pregnant by that age? Certainly an early spay is safer than a pediatric pregnancy!

Our rescue spays/neuters at 10-12 weeks of age. The kittens bounce back so quickly.

Katie

I am typing with a broke wrist, that is how important this topic is to me.
Pediatric spay and neuter has been done in cats for a very long time with very high success. There are many studies, that show that the benefits far outweigh the risks.
We spay and neuter our kittens at 11 weeks old, and the cut off for our vet is 2lbs as well, but our kittens are usually a little larger. I have researched the anesthesia's used, and have spoke to my vet as well and we feel comfortable with the type of anesthetic he uses. We have never had a problem with any of our kittens to date. They are playing the same day as the surgery was performed, and seem like nothing happened. The incision is much smaller as well.
It will become more and more common to see vets perform pediatric altering. I agree that a vet who says 6 months or older before altering, isn't up to date on the research for pediatric altering.
http://www.winnfelinehealth.org//hea...ay-neuter.html
Here is a report done on early altering from Winn Feline as well.
http://www.winnfelinehealth.org//rep...ly-neuter.html

I also would like to say that we have 2 males who were early altered, they are now ages 6 and 4, and neither have had any health issues.

It is my opinion, that breeders, rescue organizations, and pet owners should take on the responsibility in getting cats and dogs altered early. I do believe it is best for the animal, as well as helping with overpopulation. Cats can and do get pregnant at 6 months old, as well as males are able to impregnante at that age and younger, altering by the 4 month mark can aleviate that.
I have a post in the breeders section regarding vet referrals. I have been busy with many different things, and haven't had the chance to put a lot of time into it yet, but I am still hoping to get it going soon.

Thanks for all the great insight... I think I'll make four appointments for tomorrow....my poor babies One more question.....this one is a HUGE problem at my house. Momma kitty is a stray that I took in and she is very used to being outside. My husband can hardly stand having 8 cats in the house and he is either gonna move out soon or divorce me (lol) so I have to do something ASAP. The kittens all go to new homes next week but momma can't go back outside until she is spayed....the problem is momma is the stinkest of them all and she can't get spayed until her milk dries up which could be another 2 to 3 weeks!! My husband isn't gonna tolerate her for another 2 to 3 weeks. Any suggestions......other than getting rid of the husband, lol.

Originally Posted by BelleandFiona

Thanks for all the great insight... I think I'll make four appointments for tomorrow....my poor babies

One more question.....this one is a HUGE problem at my house. Momma kitty is a stray that I took in and she is very used to being outside. My husband can hardly stand having 8 cats in the house and he is either gonna move out soon or divorce me (lol) so I have to do something ASAP. The kittens all go to new homes next week but momma can't go back outside until she is spayed....the problem is momma is the stinkest of them all and she can't get spayed until her milk dries up which could be another 2 to 3 weeks!! My husband isn't gonna tolerate her for another 2 to 3 weeks. Any suggestions......other than getting rid of the husband, lol.

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Anyone you know who could "foster" her for 2-3 weeks?? They would have to keep her strictly indoors.

Katie