Neutering Cats

Neutering cats is slightly different from dogs, partly as cat come into season much more often than dogs and that they are more likely to roam to find a mate. Generally we recommend neutering all cats unless they are in breeding catteries. Female cats can often be mated and pregnant before they wean a litter, so it can be very difficult to stop these cats breeding, unless they are spayed by 6 months of age.

It is also detrimental to the cat to produce so many litters, as they become sexually active usually from 6 months of age and can produce several litters a year. These cats are often smaller than their peers because they have not been able to grow so well.

The other problems that arise from not neutering cats is an increase in fighting and multiple matings; which both can increase the risk of infections such as Feline Leukaemia Virus and Feline Immundeficiency Virus.

Feline Leukaemia Virus can be vaccinated against but Feline Immundeficiency Virus can not be vaccinated against and reduces the immune system allowing any other infections to become much more serious.

North Park Vets recommend neutering of cats from 4 months age, as long as they are well grown and healthy.