neutering

[3398rachel]

hi, I am taking my kitten to the vets at the weekend for his vacc. im going to ask him what age should i get him neutered. Does anyone have any advice about this. thanks

[angieh]

My vet neutered Pip at 6 months.

[Kay]

Hi Rachel and welcome to Catsey.

There are many different views on this. As a breeder of a slow maturing breed I recommend neutering.spaying at 6 mths in fact my own vet will not do it before this age. Some vet will neuter much earlier, 14 weeks, but I believe young kittens have enough stresses going on with new houses and people and their vaccinations. Stress can lead to a kitten developing FIP which is almost always fatal. Let him settle in with you and have his vaccinations. I am sure your vet will guide you in the right direction.

[angieh]

I did ask my vet about the 6 months - why not say 5 months. He said it was a practical matter in that the tubes are hand tied and are too small beforehand. Pinklizzy would be the person to ask if that were generally the case.

[Mags]

Cassie was also neutered at 6 months....

[Kay]

6 months does seem to be the general age. I do know some breeders who have their kittens neutered before they leave for their new homes at 14 weeks but I still feel there is too much going on in a kittens life at that point without surgery as well.

Just my personal opinion though.

[Elaine]

I have always had my cats neutered at 6 months and I'd like to add that a cat should not be going out doors until it has been neutered, not saying you are doing this but some people do.

I can understand why some breeders would neuter early, too many irresponsible owners etc, but I personally feel it's a bit young. That said I do agree with the early neutering of feral colony cats/kittens.

[3398rachel]

thanks for all your advice. No Im not letting him outside yet. He is far 2 little, and I would be devestated if he got lost and we couldn't find him. Going to wait till he is neutered and the weather is a bit nicer before letting him out to play!:)

[Kay]

Very sensible Rachel. Why not post some pics of him so we can have a look?

[angieh]

I second that request!

[Shelley123]

welcome to the forum Rachel

[Leesy]

Maxi was neutered at 6mths old and Maisy was spayed at 11mths, we waited till Maisy was older as Maxi appeared to have got quite stressed at being done and I think that is what triggered his Colitus off (maybe) as he was fine up until then. He is such a big softy though even still.

I to would love to see some pics of the little darling please.:D