I’ve always heard the sooner the better. I got my cat from the ASPCA when he was six weeks old, and they insisted on fixing him before I could take him home.

There is some disagreement in the veterinary world. Historically, there have been concerns that neutering too young does not allow the urogenital system to fully develop, potentially causing issues in later life (like urinary blockages). Recent studies, however, show no evidence of a correlation and so shelters have begun neutering (spays and castrations) at 6–8 weeks of age to help with pet overpopulation.

The other concern about younger pets is potentially more risks associated with anesthesia in a physically small patient, but the medical field uses much safer drugs and procedures than used to be possible.

What has been proven is that spaying a female (cat or dog) before their first heat dramatically reduces the rate of breast cancer, and each heat that the animal goes through reduces the benefit of the spay (as relates to cancer).

Ultimately, you can discuss the pros and cons with your veterinarian and make an informed decision.

Definitely before 8 or 9 months, when they become active sexually. And, if at all possible, do not neuter an older cat. I once, in my silly youth, delayed having my boy cat neutered until he was 3. I later shared a house with a friend who bred Himalayan cats. My darlin’ boycat ran away in shame because he could not respond.

I heard 6 to 8 weeks, not months.

We’ve always done this before age 6mos.

I’ve always done it at about 6 months… the recommendations to do it earlier are really more aimed at reducing unwanted kittens, which is why shelters require it before you can take the kitten home. My current two were both done at about 3½ and 4 months, when I adopted them. In the case of males, early neutering does affect their growth, notably the size and shape of their heads. My previous males who were done at 6 months never developed the characteristic tomcat ‘big head’ but were proportionate; my current boy not only has more of a girl-kitty-shape head, but it is oddly small compared to his frame. Yes, he’s a pinhead.

ASAP

I’ve always loved the term “fixed”. You don’t get an animal “fixed” it’s working just fine as it is. If anything it should be called broken.

wait about 6–10 weeks for them to get use to you before you get them snipped. I did, it worked out fine, stay around in the 7 week area

I have always neutered my males around 7–8 months, even 10, at the edge of puberty. This is healthier as they develop more body mass and muscle. However, shelters and other groups that are eager to adopt out often neuter very young. Ideally the median age should be around 7–10 months for optimum development of the male cat IMO.