Dr. Stacy Lambrinos
Owner/ Veterinarian



Early Age Spay & Neuter





Early age spay and neutering is being performed frequently and there is a range of benefits provided for both cats and owners. Research has proven it is safe to spay and neuter kittens at a much earlier age then veterinarians once were taught. Early age spay and neuter surgeries are now safely and routinely performed on kittens at 10 weeks of age. Low body fat makes these surgeries easier to accomplish and kittens tolerate the procedures very well and recover more quickly than older animals. The "two pound" guideline states that as long as a healthy kitten is 2 pounds they can be spayed and neutered safely.



What is Spaying and Neutering?





Spaying / Neutering are safe, inexpensive and permanent procedures that prevent accidental breeding, but also reduce potential behavioral and health problems. A female cat does not have to go through a heat cycle before being spayed. In fact, multiple heat cycles increase her chance of developing mammary cancer and life threatening infections of the uterus. In males, neutering reduces the risk of testicle cancer and urine spraying, roaming and fighting behavior. Many cats adopted from shelters are young in age. Studies has shown if these animals are not spayed and neutered before going into their new homes , many may never be done. They frequently continue to produce more unwanted pets.


The American Veterinary Medical Association has adopted a resolution that supports the concept of early age spay and neuter to decrease the overpopulation of cats and dogs. The early age approach will reduce the killing of unwanted pets by preventing unwanted litters by making the policy of neuter before adopt more effective. The AVMA supports the concept of early age spay and neuter in an effort to control the overpopulation. Some adjustments of technique is needed on the part of the veterinarian when operating on kittens. There is little scientific evidence to back up the current standard of 6 to 8 months of age for spaying and neutering. This figure seems to have been chosen arbitrarily and followed through the years without question. Today the safety and benefits of early age/ neuter are recognized.



Reasons for Early-age spaying and neutering





Helps control overpopulation, less homeless offspring


Decreases the rate of animals at shelters


Decreases killed animals


Improves animal's adoptability


Improved health


Surgery less stressful/ quick recovery for younger animals


Spayed and neutered animals are less aggressive, less likely to roam, less likely to fight and less likely to contact contagious diseases.