By Pet Alliance Medical Director, Dr. Becky Rhoades
I have said “woulda, coulda, shoulda” so many times in my life, but then the opportunity is gone and I missed out. When it comes to getting your cat spayed, it’s more than just a missed opportunity. It’s more mouths to feed, more vet bills, and for us in the shelter, more homeless kittens.
When asked, “When is the best time to spay or neuter cats?” 72% of people in a recent survey either gave the wrong answer or said they didn’t know. Believe it or not, of the pet owners who admitted their cats had at least one litter, 59% of owners say those litters were “unintentional” and “accidental.”
Here at the Pet Alliance, we are joining others across the nation, in the Woulda, Coulda, Shoulda early spay and neuter campaign to promote getting your kitten fixed at 4 months of age and avoid any chance of an accidental litter. Cats can get pregnant much earlier than most people think with some kittens going into heat as early as 16 weeks old. Litter mates can reproduce with each other as well, adding to these accidental litters.
We recommend scheduling your kitten’s spay surgery as soon as her kitten vaccination series is completed, around four months of age. We have appointments available daily here in Orlando or Sanford and the cost is only $30 for male cats and $40 for female cats. Make an appointment today or call (407) 351-7722 for Orlando appointments and (407) 323-8685 for Sanford appointments.
The health benefits are many for both female and male cats. The incidence of mammary cancer, pyometra (a fatal uterine infection) and uterine cancer is reduced to nil for females. And for males, they stop roaming the neighborhood for females and territorial urine marking all over the house. The surgery itself is much simpler and safer in four month-old kittens. They recover faster than adult cats and heal quickly too. It’s a win-win for both the cat’s health and a safer surgery.
Most importantly, by having your kitten fixed at four months old, you are being part of the solution and preventing more homeless kittens from arriving at our door.
