What Age Do Kittens Have To Be To Get Fixed

This is usually when they are around 8 weeks old.

What age do kittens have to be to get fixed. Some experts suggest getting a kitten spayed or neutered when the cat is as young as two months old. Finally waiting until after the first heat somewhere between eight to twelve months of age he says. Kittens need to weigh at least 2 pounds before surgery according to web md. To avoid behavioral changes or issues from developing it s best to get your kitty fixed prior to puberty.

Some municipalities specify that kitties must be spayed by 4 months of age while others require it by 6 months of age according to the american veterinary medical association. There is some debate about when cats should be fixed. Male cats are fixed when they are around 2 to 2 pounds. Kittens as young as 8 weeks old can be spayed or neutered although some veterinarians recommend the procedure be performed between 4 and 6 months of age according to the cat care clinic.

It is ideal to spay the kitten before five or six months of age as female kittens can become sexually mature between the ages of six and nine months although some mature as early as four months. Before you do anything remember never separate kittens from their mother cat. As a vet who has done thousands of spays and neuters i still perform them at five months of age. Recovery for kittens is usually minimal your boy may not realize he s missing anything and he s home from surgery the same day.

Learn more about kittens and their needs as they grow in our kitten guide. Generally when they are between 8 12 weeks. Becky robinson the founder of alley cat allies cites research that kittens neutered prior to reaching 12 weeks of age have fewer complications from surgery than kittens older than 12 weeks. Learn what to do when you find kittens outdoors.

While you can have a kitten fixed as young as 6 weeks old the procedure is usually performed when your little one reaches 8 to 12 weeks of age. The pets are a good size the owners have already trained and accepted them and the anesthesia and surgery are usually safe says dr. If you don t see her monitor the kittens from a distance for a few hours. If their mother returns leave them be.