When do cats become fertile?

**Andy Mentzer** · 06-12-2005, 08:01 PM

We have two young ones and we were wondering ,since the're growing at an alarming rate,when they will be able to reproduce?

**kittycats_delight** · 06-12-2005, 10:31 PM

it depends. I have know of cats getting pregnant as young as 6 months. usually I believe they go into their first heat and can reproduce between 6-9 months. It was suggested to us to have our cats spayed by 6 months of age to prevent a heat cycle. I know you can spay them much much younger. One of the more experienced members will give you more and better advice I am sure.

**GoldenRetrLuver** · 06-12-2005, 10:42 PM

I believe female cats can have their first heat cycle between the ages of 6-12 months and males can impregnate a female when they're as young as 5 months.

I've heard of cats being spayed or neutered at as young as 8 weeks. My newest addition, Mocha, was spayed when she was 4 months old and my other two were also spayed when they were young kittens.

I hope you plan on getting your cats fixed.

**wolfsoul** · 06-13-2005, 09:54 PM

I recommend spaying no later than 5 months. Neutering I think should be done no later than 8 months.

Cats can be spayed/neutered as young as eight weeks though, and many vets are recommending this. Kittens are easier to perform surgery on and the recovery rate is incredibly faster and less discomforting than it would be on an older cat.