What age to neuter a sterile male?

[Dantes]

Duma's only about 4 months, so we have a little time...

But what is the optimal age to neuter him? As an F3 he's sterile, but I also am not interested in him spraying about the house, so the question of age is what's best for him.

This question came up tangentially on the ragdoll message board. Someone posted this: http://catvet.homestead.com/earlyalter.html

Thoughts?

 

[Ashley]

We had Kovu neutered at 4 months.

 

[admin]

Taj was neutered at 5 months...I know it is personal preference about early s/n..

 

[Dantes]

Taj was neutered at 5 months...I know it is personal preference about early s/n..

but on what should I be basing my "personal preference"? lol

I want him to stay just like he is today. Same size, same energy, same personality. He is perfect! But everybody has to grow up, and since there is no choice in that matter, I'd like him to grow up as healthy as possible.

 

[admin]

I remember Cisco, my DSH being neutered at 4 mos old...

Pam, I can't remember where I read that early spay/neuter allows kittens to grow larger because of growth plate development...

 

[Per Lausund]

Growth zones in long bones (legs!) close at the onset of puberty. Wait as long as you dare (and if he spays once or twice that will stop with castation.
p

 

[Kronos]

The earlier you neuter, the earlier the hormones are removed, so the growth plates don't necessarily fuse at the correct times which can in turn allow the bones to grow a little bit longer than if you had not neutered early. In dogs it is recommended to spay/neuter after the growth plates close unless there are marking issues that are untrainable. In cats I do not think we can train them not to spray, so most people do it before 6 months of age to prevent spraying.

Generally, animals that are s/n after growth plates close will have stockier bodies.

Both my cats were neutered very young. Solo around 10 weeks, Kronos at either 8 or 9 weeks.

 

[Pam Flachs]

I remember Cisco, my DSH being neutered at 4 mos old...

Pam, I can't remember where I read that early spay/neuter allows kittens to grow larger because of growth plate development...

I've heard that too. I believe Kelly S. knows quite a bit about it...perhaps she'll answer!

 

[admin]

The earlier you neuter, the earlier the hormones are removed, so the growth plates don't necessarily fuse at the correct times which can in turn allow the bones to grow a little bit longer than if you had not neutered early. In dogs it is recommended to spay/neuter after the growth plates close unless there are marking issues that are untrainable. In cats I do not think we can train them not to spray, so most people do it before 6 months of age to prevent spraying.

Generally, animals that are s/n after growth plates close will have stockier bodies.

Both my cats were neutered very young. Solo around 10 weeks, Kronos at either 8 or 9 weeks.

That's what I heard - thanks Alisha...so Dr. Per does not agree with this

 

[admin]

I've heard that too. I believe Kelly S. knows quite a bit about it...perhaps she'll answer!

I think Alisha answered...