Neutering my two indoor kittens?

[Mat]

Hi,

I phoned two vets today for some advice and whilst at it I asked about getting my two 8 weeks old kittens neutered.

I was given a price of £43 per kitten by a local vet which I think is very good value to my knowledge.

However both vets I phoned one quoted £57 said they won't neuter them until 6 months old.

As they are brother and sister I'm worried they may mate before 6 months as I have been reading and apparently some come in season at 4 months, I don't want litters and was hoping I could get them neutered earlier. On checking pets protection and some other charities they recommended and will do it much earlier.

Is it normal to wait 6 months? I want them to have it done for there own benefit even thou they are in door cats. I want Smudge my male kitten to be castrated first then Foxy my female kitten soon after.

Any advice would be great. I'm concerned they may mate before 6 months and want to know if anyone knows or have had there's done earlier? I've in Cardiff by the way. Can you pay pdsa for example to neuter then or no as they seem to do it earlier?

Thanks
Mat

[angieh]

I think you are wise to be making plans early one Mat - I've not been in the position of having two kittens of the same age, different gender so can't really comment. My male kitten Pip was done at 6 months and had only been allowed out of the house before he was neutered on harness and lead.

I know veterinary advice changes - we've just been told that they like to neuter bitches before their first season now, saying that the operation is quicker and recovery better.

You've time to ask around and I'm sure folk here would be interested to know what the current advice is.

[Velvet]

The current trend where we are, is 6 months for males. If you push it most vets will do a male at 5 months especially if he is "showing" and more so if you explain your situation having siblings of the same age

[pookyandjo]

The usual here in Australia is for kittens to be neutered /spayed at around 8 weeks of age... That is standard across all rescue organisations here

[pinklizzy]

Like Velvet said, if you make your vets aware that you are worried about having siblings of different gender at home, they might be willing to do them a bit earlier.
Our vets have a lower weight 'limit' of 2kg due to the drugs used as part of the anaesthesia protocol. Having said that, it can be very hard to get hold of anything when the boys are smaller!

[angieh]

Isn't it amazing, the difference in age for neutering here and in Australia?