06/04/2026
This is the topic that has come up a couple of times with people wanting to jump on the bandwagon and writing misinformation in my comments…
One question I get asked quite a bit is whether kittens should be spayed and neutered early, or if owners should wait based on some of the newer studies that have been circulating online.
The first thing to understand is that cats and dogs are not the same species, and they should not automatically be compared when discussing spay and neuter timing.
Many of the recent studies recommending delayed spay and neuter involve large and giant breed dogs, where hormones can play a significant role in bone growth, joint development, and certain health conditions. Those findings have led some veterinarians to recommend waiting longer for specific dog breeds.
Cats are different!!!!!!!!!
The current veterinary consensus continues to support early spay and neuter in healthy kittens. Organizations such as the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) support pediatric spay and neuter, often as early as 8 to 16 weeks of age.
**I personally prefer 4+ months just due to the fact that Persians are slower to develop**
Research in cats has not demonstrated the same orthopedic concerns seen in some dog breeds. In fact, studies have shown that kittens recover quickly from surgery and do very well long-term.
There are also several benefits to altering cats before they reach sexual maturity:
• Prevents accidental litters
• Eliminates the risk of pyometra, a potentially life-threatening uterine infection
• Reduces hormone-driven behaviors such as urine marking, spraying, roaming, and fighting
Another important point is that cats can become sexually mature much earlier than many people realize. Some kittens can reach puberty as early as four months of age.. some take closer to 12 months.
As a breeder, this is one of the reasons all of my kittens leave already spayed or neutered or on a spay and neuter contract. It ensures they remain cherished family pets, prevents accidental litters, and allows families to focus on enjoying their new kitten rather than worrying about scheduling surgery later.
At the end of the day, every pet owner should have an open conversation with their veterinarian. But when it comes to cats, the current body of research continues to support early spay and neuter as a safe and responsible practice.
Cats are not small dogs, and the recommendations for them should not be based on dog studies.
That is the end of my rant today… But I often find it funny how as a breeder, you can never do everything right. You’re doomed if you do early spay and neuter and, you’re doomed if you don’t spay and neuter…😅 there’s always going to be someone that’s going to complain.
My best practice is doing my own research, talking to my own veterinarians, and doing what I feel is best for our cats/kittens.
❤️
