Welcome to our guide on the spay and neuter of cats!
The optimal age for spay or neuter of cats is prior to 5 months of age to optimize health and prevent unwanted breeding. With currently available scientific evidence, there are no medical or behavioral benefits to delaying spay or neuter of cats until after 5 months of age, and there are plenty of well established benefits to sterilizing prior to 5 months
The optimal age for spay or neuter of cats is prior to 5 months of age.
Benefits of Spaying Kittens Before First Heat Cycle
- Reduced risk of breast cancer
- Eliminated risk of diseases of the uterus and ovaries
- Avoid unintentional pregnancies (breeding can occur as early as 4 months of age!)
- Potentially reduced behavior problems
- Surgery is technically easier, faster, and safer to perform prior to 5 months of age
- Longer average lifespan (13.1 years for spayed vs. 9.5 years for intact female cats)
Benefits of Neutering Male Cats
- Avoid unwanted breeding
- Reduce risk of urine spraying (which can start occurring before 6 months of age)
- Reduced roaming
- Reduced risk of fighting with other cats, reduced risk of acquiring FIV through fighting
- Longer lifespan (11.8 years for neutered vs. 7.5 years for intact male cats)