Kittens can be safely spayed or neutered at 2 months old or as soon as they weigh 2 pounds. Also called pediatric spay and neuter, this policy ensures kittens are “fixed” as soon as they’re ready, which benefits cats and the communities where they live.

For help determining a kitten’s age, refer to our guide at alleycat.org/KittenProgression.

The Benefits

You may already know that spaying and neutering is good for cats and good for the community. What you may not know is that pediatric spay and neuter has even more benefits:

  • Pediatric spay and neuter means female kittens are spayed before their first heat and won’t ever get pregnant. It’s the most effective way to prevent litters, since cats can become pregnant when they’re as young as 4 months old.
  • Studies show that pediatric spay and neuter lowers a cat’s risk of getting certain reproductive diseases, including cancer.
  • Veterinarians who perform pediatric spay and neuter report that it is an easier, faster procedure.
  • Kittens recover quickly from surgerysooner than adult cats.
  • Pediatric spay and neuter results in the most effective prevention of reproduction per dollar invested.

Learn more about spaying and neutering.

Pediatric Spay and Neuter Is Safe

Research shows that kittens spayed or neutered before 12 weeks of age have fewer complications from surgery than those over 12 weeks old. Also, since they’re young and spry, kittens rebound much faster after the surgical procedure than cats over 6 months of age.

All surgery involving anesthesia includes certain risks. Pediatric spay and neuter is just as safe as spay and neuter surgeries for adult cats.

Learn more by checking out Protocols: Pediatric Spay and Neuter in our Veterinary Resource Center.

Accredited Organizations Support Pediatric Spay and Neuter

Professional animal welfare and veterinary organizations agree: Pediatric spay and neuter is best!

Some of the organizations that support pediatric spay and neuter include:

  • Alley Cat Allies
  • American Animal Hospital Association
  • American Association of Feline Practitioners
  • American Humane
  • American Kennel Club
  • American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
  • American Veterinary Medical Association
  • Association of Shelter Veterinarians
  • Cat Fanciers’ Association
  • Humane Alliance
  • Humane Society of the United States
  • Marian’s Dream