EARLY AGE SPAY AND NEUTER

Kittens and puppies can be spayed at any age after two months.  There used to be concern that doing surgery on young kittens and puppies could be dangerous but this concern is unwarranted.  In North America for over 25 years sterilisation has been performed on young animals, so a great deal of case history has accumulated. The HK SPCA practices early age spay and neuter with great success.

Evidence shows that early sterilization is at least as safe as doing it later. When the animals are young the surgery is usually quicker, with less time under anaesthesia,  the recovery period is shorter, there is less stress to the cat or dog.  This is partly because the young animals have less subcutaneous fat and there is less risk of haemorrhage.  Adverse effects normally associated with any surgery are reduced.  No evidence suggests that delay is beneficial.

We recommend that kittens and puppies should be sterilized before they can reproduce. Many people have been surprised when their young kitten becomes pregnant.  If Hong Kong is going to overcome the companion animal over-population problem and put an end to "accidental" pregnancies and abandonment then we must all persuade the private veterinary community to include early age sterilization. The only reason some oppose it is because they have little or no experience of it.

Kittens and puppies should be operated on BEFORE sexual maturity.

Useful links:
Alley Cat Allies
Association of Veterinarians for Animal Rights
Neighborhood Cats