One of the common questions I get asked is "what is the best age to spay/neuter my kitten?"
This is a great question but it doesn't have an easy answer, because it really depends on you and your cat.
Recent scientific studies are showing that for male cats the best time to neuter them is somewhere between 6 and 10 months of age or as soon as you see any signs of sexual maturity. If your male kitten is engaging in humping behaviors or spraying/urinating outside the litter box, then you know it's time to get them neutered right away.
For females the recommended age to spay them is somewhere between 7 and 12 months of age or as soon as they go through their first heat cycle. You don't want them to go through more than one or 2 heat cycles before getting them spayed.
You need to be a very observant and proactive pet parent if you are going to choose to wait a bit longer before spaying or neutering. If you are not able to ensure they don't get outside and have an accidental pregnancy, then I would err on the side of caution and get them spayed as early as possible. There are so many pets in shelters as a result of unplanned pregnancies and owners not being able to take care of kittens - you do not want to add to a growing problem by being caught unawares.
Once you have made the responsible decision to have your kitty altered, you will need to give them some time and extra TLC to heal up post surgery. Generally, these surgeries go well and your cat will be back to their usual selves within a few days.
Keep giving your pets the best of natural life!
~PetCoachApril
April Arguin A.S., C.P.N., M.P.H
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