The AAFP supports pediatric spay/neutering of cats, not intended for breeding, by 5 months of age as part of a comprehensive approach to population control and management by eliminating unintended/unplanned litters of kittens.
Owners should be advised that it is possible for their cat to be reproductively active (without necessarily demonstrating obvious physical signs) as early as 4–5 months. Veterinarians should use their best professional judgment regarding health conditions of the patient, and their individual surgical skills and anesthetic knowledge in deciding at what age spay/neutering should be performed.
This Position Statement updates and replace: 2010 Early Spay and Castration
© Feline Veterinary Medical Association, 2025