Kittens can be spayed or neutered as early as 8 weeks old, though the typical age is around 4 to 6 months. Early spaying or neutering is often performed in shelters to prevent overpopulation.
Puppies can also be spayed or neutered as early as 8 weeks, but it’s more common to wait until they are 4 to 6 months old. For larger breeds, some veterinarians may recommend waiting until they are 12 to 18 months old to allow for full physical development.
Helps control the pet population and reduces the number of homeless animals.
- Females: Spaying significantly reduces the risk of mammary gland tumors (breast cancer) and eliminates the risk of ovarian and uterine cancers.
- Males: Neutering eliminates the risk of testicular cancer and reduces the risk of prostate issues.
- Females: Spaying eliminates the heat cycle, which can reduce behaviors like howling, restlessness, and attracting unwanted attention from males.
- Males: Neutering can reduce behaviors like marking territory with urine, roaming, and aggression towards other males.
- Females: Spaying prevents uterine infections (pyometra), a life-threatening condition that can occur in unspayed females.
- Males: Neutering helps prevent benign prostatic hyperplasia and other hormone-related issues.
- Studies have shown that spayed and neutered pets tend to live longer, healthier lives, partly due to the reduced risk of certain diseases and accidents.
- Neutered males are less likely to roam in search of a mate, reducing the chances of accidents, fights, or getting lost.