The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) endorses the early spaying or neutering of kittens between ages eight and 16 weeks. Spaying and neutering reduces pet overpopulation, and it can be easier on the animal if done before sexual maturity.
Cancer
Early spaying protects female cats against ovarian and mammary cancer.
Warning
Younger animals can be more sensitive to anesthesia and are more at risk of developing hypothermia--severe lowering of body temperature--during surgery.
Spraying
Male cats neutered before the age of 12 months tend to "mark" their territory by spraying urine far less frequently than unneutered males, or those neutered after one year of age.
Temperament
Spayed and neutered animals, especially those fixed before sexual maturity, tend to be less aggressive and more affectionate with their human companions.
Expert Insight
The Cat Fancier's Association reports that Dr. Mark Blumberg, D.V.M., has headed a study at the Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences at the University of Florida to determine if there are any negative effects from early castration. As of October 2009, his team has yet to find any significant risk to cats that are altered at an early age.
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) endorses the early spaying or neutering of kittens between ages eight and 16 weeks. Spaying and neutering reduces pet overpopulation, and it can be easier on the animal if done before sexual maturity.
Cancer
Early spaying protects female cats against ovarian and mammary cancer.
Warning
Younger animals can be more sensitive to anesthesia and are more at risk of developing hypothermia--severe lowering of body temperature--during surgery.
Spraying
Male cats neutered before the age of 12 months tend to "mark" their territory by spraying urine far less frequently than unneutered males, or those neutered after one year of age.
Temperament
Spayed and neutered animals, especially those fixed before sexual maturity, tend to be less aggressive and more affectionate with their human companions.
Expert Insight
The Cat Fancier's Association reports that Dr. Mark Blumberg, D.V.M., has headed a study at the Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences at the University of Florida to determine if there are any negative effects from early castration. As of October 2009, his team has yet to find any significant risk to cats that are altered at an early age.
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