What is Neutering?
Neutering is the name given to the surgical procedure to stop cats from reproducing. In female cats it’s called spaying (or speying) and in male cats it’s called castration.
Ideally, cats should be neutered before reaching sexual maturity, at around 4 months or older. However vet practices may have varying policies on neutering cats and may recommend neutering anywhere between 4-6 months old.
Some of the benefits of neutering your cat include:
Helps protect against preventable illnesses and reduces the risk of health issues such as infections, mammary tumours, and testicular tumours.
Can reduce unwanted behaviours linked to hormones, such as roaming, fighting (and the health risks that come with it), spraying (urine marking), and calling (when females are in heat).
Plays an important role in preventing accidental litters, which helps ease the pressure on rescues and shelters caring for unwanted cats and kittens.
Not sure when to neuter your kitten? Your vet can help you decide on the right timing for them.
👉 For more information about neutering, read our helpful blog post.