when to neuter or spay a cat

Help prevent unwanted kitty litters

Spaying and neutering are two of the most common surgeries for cats, and both help to prevent undesired kitty pregnancies and possible reproductive health issues. Plus, they may even reduce some upsetting-to-humans cat behaviors, like urine spraying and yowling.

Health benefits of neutering and spaying cats

Spaying your girl cat when she’s a kitten means your kittyBAE won’t have litter after litter of unwanted kittens. She’s no longer at risk for uterine infections and has a much lower chance of girl-part cancers. Plus, she won’t go into heat. This makes it more likely she’ll stay safely at home instead of prowling for a potential mate, or screeching from the top of your fence at night every three weeks.

Neutering your boy cat also has potential behavior upsides. Neutered boy cats may stop “spraying” — jetting out pee around the house — to mark their territory. It can also help prevent your boyBAE from “catting around” on the streets for female cats in heat, which can mean fewer cat fights and a lowered risk from predators and cars.

The best age to neuter male kittens and spay girl cats

Girl and boy cats have different parts, so their procedures are a little different. The technical term for spaying girl cats is an “ovariohysterectomy.” The veterinary surgeon removes your kitten’s ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus. Your kitty will come home with a shaved and stitched spot on her tummy, and will need to wear a cone for a few days. As for your boy cat, neutering means he will have his testicles removed, sometimes without even needing stitches.

You can spay or neuter your cat at any age, but we recommend the procedure when your kitten is anywhere from 12 weeks to 6 months old. Kittens typically recover quickly, and usually get back to romping with a minimum of fuss.

Is spaying or neutering dangerous?

While every surgery comes with some risk, both neutering and spaying are incredibly common and provide important lifelong benefits. Your veterinary team will explain the process, run tests to make sure your cat is cleared for the procedure, and discuss post-op care with you before they begin. Any concerns, just ask — we’re here to help you and your kitty have the best possible outcome.

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Check out our handy videos on how spaying and neutering help prevent breeding, certain cancers, and more.
Watch the spaying video for girl cats Watch the neutering video for boy cats

Wondering about anesthesia during a procedure? We’ve got a video on anesthesia too

Before and after your kitten’s procedure

Ask your vet how much to feed your kitten the day of the procedure
Your girlBAE may have a tender tummy at the site of her incision
Give your kitten a clean, quiet place to recover away from other pets
Keep an eye on their incision site to make sure it’s healing
Recovery can take up to 2 weeks
If anything looks red or swollen, if your kitten seems depressed, or if they’re vomiting or have diarrhea, call your vet right away
Immediately contact your veterinary team if you have any concern

How Banfield can help

We’re all about kitten health and happiness. Whether you want to spay or neuter your kitten, or if your plans include future breeding, we’re here with medical guidance and support. Our Early Care Plus Optimum Wellness Plan^® (OWP) package for kittens under 6 months old actually includes a spay or neuter procedure along with exams, vaccinations, and more. Is your cat over 6 months old? No problem — you can easily add the procedure to any cat OWP.

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