EARLY SPAY & NEUTER INFORMATION
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A Winn Foundation
Health Article On Early Spay/Neuter in the Cat
by Susan Little DVM
While it may seem that interest in early spay/neuter is a recent
phenomenon, it has not only been talked about, but it has been
practiced for over 25 years in North America. Early age altering
refers to spays and neuters done between the age of 6 and 14 weeks.
Altering pets between 5 and 7 months of age was established by
tradition rather than for any specific medical reason. Years ago,
when safe pediatric anesthetic techniques were not available,
waiting until a patient was older increased the safety of surgery.
But we no longer need to delay altering for this reason.
People working to decrease the problem of surplus dogs and cats in
the United States pioneered the idea of early altering. While
surgical sterilization remains the most effective means of
population control, delaying the surgery long enough for sexual
maturity to occur defeats the purpose. Animal shelters advocate
mandatory altering, but many adopted animals either are never
altered or have at least one litter first.
Over the years, the safety of early altering has been questioned,
mainly by veterinarians who may be unfamiliar with the surgical and
anesthetic techniques required for pediatric patients. As well,
concerns that early altering could increase the incidence of feline
lower urinary tract disease, could affect skeletal development, and
affect behavior have been voiced. These concerns have largely been
laid to rest by many studies, and early altering is becoming more
widespread and available. A study recently published by researchers
at the University of Florida found no significant differences in the
physical and behavioral characteristics of cats altered at 7 weeks
of age compared to those altered at 7 months of age.
Very important work has been done by Drs. Michael Aronsohn and
Alicia Faggella at the Massachusetts SPCA on the anesthetic and
surgical techniques for early altering of dogs and cats. In 1993,
two papers were published outlining their work on the early altering
of hundreds of kittens between the age of 6 and 14 weeks. They
evaluated several anesthetic protocols and made recommendations for
safe handling and anesthesia in patients of this age. Some small
changes to surgical technique are necessary for patients in this age
group. As well, these young patients must be handled a bit
differently both before, during, and after surgery. The changes in
surgical protocol are simple and easy to carry out, and the
experience of these veterinarians with early altering is
overwhelmingly positive.
As cat breeders, we must do our part to curtail the serious issue of
surplus animals. Many of us work in breed rescue programs and give
our time and expertise to shelters. We can ensure that our own
kittens not destined for breeding programs will never reproduce by
practicing early altering. Early altering is a safe and effective
means of ensuring we do not unwittingly add to the burden of
unwanted pets.
Further Information on Early Spay/Neuter may be found in the
following:
Aronsohn MG, Faggella AM. Surgical techniques for neutering 6-
to-14-week-old kittens. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical
Assoc Vol 202(1);53-55, 1993.
Chalifoux A, Niemi G, Fanjoy P, Pukay B. Early spay-neutering of
dogs and cats (letter). Canadian Veterinary Journal Vol 22; 381,
1981.
Faggella AM, Aronsohn MG. Anesthetic techniques for neutering 6-
to-14-week-old kittens. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical
Assoc Vol 202(1);56-62, 1993.
Hosgood G. Anesthesia and surgical considerations in Hoskins JD (ed)
Veterinary Pediatrics - dogs and cats from birth to six months,
Philadelphia, WB Saunders Co., p. 561, 1995.
Lieberman LL. Advantages of early spaying and neutering (letter).
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Assoc Vol 181(5);420,
1982.
Lieberman LL. A case for neutering pups and kittens at two months of
age. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Assoc Vol
191(5);518-521, 1987.
Root MV, Johnston SD, Johnston GR, Olson PN. The effect of
prepuberal and postpuberal gonadectomy on penile extrusion and
urethral diameter in the domestic cat. Veterinary Radiology &
Ultrasound Vol 37(5);363-366, 1996.
Stubbs WP, Bloomberg MS. Implications of early neutering in the dog
and cat. Seminars in Veterinary Medicine and Surgery (Small Animal)
Vol 10(1);8-12, 1995.
Stubbs WP, Salmeri KR, Bloomberg MS. Early neutering of the dog and
cat in Bonagura JD, Kirk RW (eds) Kirk's Current Veterinary Therapy
XII Small Animal Practice, Philadelphia, WB Saunders Co., p. 1037,
1995.
Theran P. Early-age neutering of dogs and cats. Journal of the
American Veterinary Medical Assoc Vol 202(6);914-917, 1993.
Related Links:
Cat Facts: Neuter and Spay Programs
Neuter or Spay - It's the Humane Way
Early Spay/Neuter in the Cat - a Winn Feline Foundation Report
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