Spay/neuter before 6 months?

[mrspunkysmom]

At some point, I'm really hoping to get a kitten. I can't at the moment, but I plan on adopting one from the Humane Society when the time comes.

I know male neutered cats can have issues with UTI etc. I know my male cat had to have surgery for a blockage at one point and is on special food now. I'm wondering if a male kitten neutered much earlier then 6 months is going to make this more of a problem? The Humane Society neuters all cats/kittens before they go home, and I'm likely going to get one that's a few months old.

(I'll probably hear someone saying to adopt an older cat. The cat I currently have was adopted as an adult. I just really would like a kitten this time, though it will depend on the cats at the time. I wasn't expecting to get him when I did, but he is such a sweet cat.)

I really hate them having to be spayed so young but I suppose its best for the cat population. So is there any extra health issues with male kittens getting fixed young? What about females?

From recent personal experience, introducing a kitten to an adult cat causes less problems with the adult cat. Jane blended much quicker than Emily or Bob because she was 5 months at the time. However, too much younger than Jane and the cat's personality is not fully evident and you may be surprised. Spunky was originally sweet and snuggly at 6 weeks and became a demon at 3 months.

If you do get an adult, see if they will let you foster first for a trial basis. Try for a sweet kitty that is known to do well in a multicat household.

As for early spay/neuter, I've heard both sides. I will tell you that Spunky was done at 5 months since I think he went into "heat" early due to a female in heat. The vet had been difficult about neutering early. Another vet had me wait on Sam and he was done at 8 months. Oddly enough, Spunky is the sprayer, not Sam. And Spunky can have the kidney issues, but I resolved that with food years back.

As for purrsonality, my experience says that males are generally sweeter, but also more fun and active. Yet, Jane, is a sweet loving female that loves to play. Some of the purrsonality issues may have to do with the BREED and inbreeding and not gender. Some friends and family (myself included) have observed that Orangies are sweeter, demanding of attention, and prefer to be only cats. Yet Bob is as sweet and undemanding as can be.

I have observed that kitties are a lot more like humans when it comes to gender issues.

Just like people, you can't put them in a box with labels.

Good Luck with your decision.

[Cataholic]

Most vets that I am familiar with don't go on AGE for altering, but on WEIGHT for altering. I suppose if you took in a 6 week old kitten they might refuse, but the weight is the concern, IMO. I would never chance an accidental litter. I have had all my animals altered before 6 months (or right at). Avoiding the first heat altogether.

As for what gender is friendlier? I have only anecdotal evidence to share. Of the ten cats I have right now, two females cannot get enough loving from you. Molly will climb you to get her share. Cali can be carried around all day long, and still come back for more. Then, I have Dakky (m). Daks must sleep on my pillow, cries and comes running if you are on the floor, as does Tucker (m), and Sonic pures so loud you hear him approaching down the hall. (Then I do have some stand off cats...Anni pants (m), Gussers (m)....).

Our late RB girl, Allie, was by far the most ridiculously loving cat I have known. So, I guess what I am saying is that it it totally up to the cat, not the gender. I have heard (and my mom always tells me this...) that b/w cats are more laid back then tabbys. So, go TUXEDOS! LOL.