How Soon Can You Spay a Kitten?

A male and female cat with their reproductive organs intact may produce approximately 780,000 kittens over a span of seven years, as stated by the University of California at Davis website. Once you decide to adopt a female kitten, it is imperative that you consider the benefits of spaying the animal at a young age. Overpopulation of cats results in many of them dying from starvation, exposure, disease, trauma or through euthanasia at an animal shelter.

  1. Method of Spaying

    • Spaying, or ovariohysterectomy, is surgery that removes the ovaries, uterus and fallopian tubes of a female cat. The procedure results in the animal no longer being able to reproduce. Surgery requires the skills of a licensed veterinarian. Before surgery, the vet often draws blood or performs a physical exam to ensure the kitten is healthy enough for the surgery. The kitten feels no discomfort, since the surgery is under general anesthesia. Kittens often act normally within a few days and the site heals within a couple of weeks. The vet removes the stitches at the next exam.

    Time of Spaying

    • Spaying is generally recommended at eight weeks of age. This prevents the female from exhibiting signs of "heat"--estrus--and yowling during this time. If you adopt a kitten after this age, it is recommended that you spay the animal before it is six months old. Animal shelters typically spay female cats before placing them for adoption. Female cats with reproductive organs are also more prone to trying to escape the home to roam.

    Reasons to Wait

    • If your kitten is not healthy or cannot withstand the surgery at a young age, it is acceptable to wait. Spaying reduces the chance of your cat acquiring breast cancer and eliminates the possibility of uterine or ovarian cancer. If your cat is experiencing estrus, it is advisable to wait until it passes, due to the increased blood loss during the surgery. Once your cat is out of the estrus stage or regains it health, have it spayed as soon as possible. Spaying it at six months of age or younger may prevent behavioral problems in the future.

    Disadvantages of Spaying

    • Many cat owners do not choose to spay their kittens because they are fearful that it leads to an unhealthy weight gain. While many cats do gain some weight after spaying, it is often due to less roaming and a more docile personality. A responsible pet owner monitors the pet's weight. It is not difficult to do so with the correct type and amount of cat food and the advice of your vet.