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Cats/spay/neuter

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Expert: - 8/20/2009


Question

Jackson & Lexie
Hello!

I recently got my first two kittens and they are now 12 weeks old. My concern is that they are brother & sister and I am beginning to worry about them starting to "interact" before they have been spayed and neutered. What age will they be when their sexual senses begin to kick in? What is the earliest age that I can get them fixed that will be both safe for them and help ensure I don't end up with a pregnant kitty? Do male & female kittens have different ages that are best for them to be fixed?

Also, if they should be fixed at the same age would you recommend taking them to the vet on the same day or leaving a few days/weeks between their surgeries? I am not sure if it would be better to have them both healing at the same time or one at a time.

Any insight that you can give me would be really appreciated!!

Thanks for your time,

~ Katie

Answer
Hi Katie,

You can get them neutered as early as 4 months old. Cats can become sexually active at anytime from 4 months and on. I would take both at the same time. It will cause less problems. Sometimes if you take one to the vet and not the other problems arise from the smells on the one that was at the vet. Also they will both be convalescing at the same time so one won't be active and the other not. Hoped this helped. Good luck.

Ciao, Karen

Karen Craft

Expertise

I can give advice on cat behavior. I can help about newborn kitten care. I can help with senior cat care. I can answer questions about cat proofing a home or making it cat friendly. I can answer diet questions. I can answer home treatments questions for cats. At present I have 13 cats in home and two ferals outside. And there's always room for one more!

Experience

I have over 40 year's experience with cats. Father was a veterinarian and I assisted him in his work. I have 15 cats at present. Most are shelter or feral rescues. I have one purebred cat. I have done cat rescues and foster care. Some thoughts to carry with you. A Cat's 10 Commandments My life is likely to last 15-20 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful. Give me time to understand what you want of me. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainments. But I have only you. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it. Before you swat me, before you strike me, remember that I have teeth that could draw blood. And claws to strike back. And yet I choose not to attack you. If I don't act right then have me checked to see what is wrong. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too will grow old. On the difficult journey, on the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there. Because I love you so. Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful thing without God's critters. Pass this on.

Education/Credentials
I have an A.A.S.

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