When to neuter?

[Brooke]

When is the best time to neuter? I have read some things on the internet advocating early neutering and I want to get my SV neutered before he gets to the age where he starts to spray, but my boyfriend is worried that getting him neutered at a young age will keep him from growing as large as he could. What have your experiences been with this?

 

[Marissa]

http://www.savannahcatchat.com/index.php?threads/Early-Spay/Neuter.1303/

Try that thread

 

[MK Anderson]

Everyone/breeder has a different option on this one. Some do it a early as 3ms and other say wait till 5/6ms. I have had to done early and one a 5ms.

 

[admin]

Everyone/breeder has a different option on this one. Some do it a early as 3ms and other say wait till 5/6ms. I have had to done early and one a 5ms.

I have never heard of anyone spaying/neutering at 3 mos...5 mos is the youngest I think the age should be.

 

[Wyldthingz]

My vet won't even do them earlier than 5 months or 5 lbs. I understand that is sort of old school but I feel more comfortable if they are older. Maybe I am old school too!

 

[MK Anderson]

I've known a few to spaying/neutering that young.

 

[admin]

My vet won't even do them earlier than 5 months or 5 lbs. I understand that is sort of old school but I feel more comfortable if they are older. Maybe I am old school too!

I don't think that is old school...3 mos is just too young iMO...

 

[MK Anderson]

Now that I think back the rescue I got Pergie from did it when he was 2 pounds(not what I would recommend doing). he was 7wks old and that was 5yrs ago. I know it's a debate I was just telling what my cats where.

 

[Marissa]

A friend got a tabby from the shelter and he was neutered at a young age, under 10 weeks and he grew to be a large boy.

 

[Brigitte Cowell]

It won't make him grow bigger to leave him intact, in fact the reverse can be true. Production of testosterone will close the growth plates, hence you might expect an early-neutered male to grow larger than his un-neutered brother.

You'll find varying opinions on the right age to neuter, I think studies have shown no significant ill-effects of early spay-neuter programs... my vet has a 4 months or 4lb minimum...