Early Spaying & Neutering


A Winn Feline Foundation Report On ...

EARLY SPAY/NEUTER IN THE CAT
Are fears of negative side effects of early neutering warranted? Background and medical issues including a summary of an
ongoing Winn Foundation funded project to evaluate the long term effects of early altering.

Developmental and Behavioral Effects of Prepubertal Gonadectomy. Mark S. Bloomberg, DVM, MS; W.P. Stubbs,
DVM; D.F. Senior, BVSc; Thomas J. Lane, BS, DVM; University of Florida at Gainesville. Funded by the Winn
Feline Foundation, February 1991. Continuation funded February 1992.

A progress report on a study funded by The Winn Feline Foundation

Summary prepared by Diana Cruden, Ph.D.
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The concept of early spaying and neutering (e.g. before the animal is sexually mature) is not a new one. In the early
1900's, early neutering was the norm and it was not until much later that questions were raised about the negative side
effects of such a procedure. Today most of the experts acknowledge that there has not been enough scientific information
available about the most appropriate age to neuter a pet. Until recently, there was no research data that either supported
or disproved the idea that neutering dogs and cats at ages younger than five to eight months was deleterious. There is, in
fact, little scientific basis for selecting this age group as the most appropriate time for neutering. Indeed, one investigator
points out that many veterinarians have been practicing early neutering for years, since there is an incredible range of
ages when puppies and kittens reach sexual maturity. Large animal practitioners have long practiced early neutering on
their livestock and consider it not only acceptable, but desirable in many cases. Even before concerns for the burgeoning
population of unwanted pets raised our collective consciousness, there were many scientifically documented reasons to
spay and castrate. Spayed females are protected against mammary cancer and uterine infections. In males, castration
reduces the risk of testicular cancer and enlargement of the prostate and related infections. From the pet owners point of
view, the spayed or castrated pet is a much better companion. They are less aggressive and more affectionate than their
unaltered counterparts. Since they are not driven by the urge to reproduce, they are less likely to roam and fight.
Controlled studies into the short- and long-term effects of early neutering have been sadly lacking until recently. While
there had been numerous anecdotal reports of early spaying and neutering, these cases were generally uncontrolled from
the scientific viewpoint. Most reported cases were random bred, unrelated animals from a variety of backgrounds and no
attempt was made to control for these variations. There have been few university based studies in this area. M.A.
Herron of Texas A&M reported in 1972 that neutering before sexual maturity had relatively little effect on the diameter
of the urethra in male cats. Studies have more recently been conducted at Angell Memorial Hospital in Boston, the
College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Minnesota, and the Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences
at the University of Florida. The Florida project, begun in 1991 and completed in 1992, was funded by the Winn Feline
Foundation in conjunction with the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). A serious attempt was made in
this study to limit background influences and genetic variation. The kittens were bred especially for the project and litter
mates were divided among the three groups. The queens were bred and housed in quarantined facilities since both pre- and
post-natal nutrition and other factors can contribute to the ultimate size, weight, and overall health of the kittens. Dr.
Mark Bloomberg indicates that although long-term follow-up results are incomplete, the initial results are extremely
positive. Prior to undertaking the Winn Foundation study, Dr. Bloomberg had completed a similar study in dogs.
Animals involved in that study have now been followed for over five years, with no negative side effects reported. In the
Winn Foundation study, there were a total of 31 domestic shorthair kittens from 7 litters born on the Gainesville campus.

The kittens were divided into three groups:

Group 1 (11 kittens) were neutered or spayed at 7 weeks of age.

Group 2 (11 kittens) were neutered or spayed at 7 months.

Group 3 (the control group of 9 kittens) were not neutered until maturity and after the completion of the first phase of the
study at 12 months.

The investigators reported that the surgical procedures in the Group 1 kittens were straightforward and uncomplicated,
and that the kittens recovered even more rapidly than the Group 2 kittens and Group 3 cats. Dr. Bloomberg notes that
although there is very little material on pediatric anesthesia in animals, the pediatric patient in human medicine is
generally considered to be a very good surgical candidate and there is no reason why this should not also be true for dogs
and cats. The major concerns in pediatric surgery are: preventing hypothermia (maintaining body heat); utilizing proper
doses of anesthetic agents (since the respiratory centers are not as well developed in the pediatric patient); and
maintaining proper blood glucose. The investigators did not fast the pediatric patients as long as adult patients and
administered small amounts of Karo syrup prior to induction of anesthesia as a precaution. It should be noted that due to
the rapid recovery of the pediatric patient, the common practice of reducing anesthesia during final stages of the surgery
was modified.

Critics have claimed several possible detrimental side effects from early neutering. It is commonly believed that neutered
animals are less active and more prone to obesity than unaltered animals. It was also suggested that neutering at an
early age would stunt normal growth. In male cats in particular, it was feared that early castration would affect the
development of the urinary tract and lead to an increased incidence of cystitis or urinary obstruction. Concerns have also
been raised as to the effect of early neutering on behavior, food consumption and dietary requirements, etc. The
investigators attempted to answer most of these questions by evaluating several parameters in the three groups of
kittens. In particular, they looked at weight and body composition (i.e., percent of body fat); bone length and the age of
physeal closure (the age when long bone growth stops); behavior; food consumption; development of the urinary tract; and
the development of secondary sexual characteristics and degree of sexual maturity.

The results of the comparisons of weight showed some differences between the three groups. Males weighed consistently
more than females, but this was uniform in all groups. The studies of body composition and body fat indicated that
Group 1 (neutered at 7 weeks) and Group 2 (neutered at 7 months) were identical and were generally fatter than Group 3
(neutered at 12 months, after they were sexually mature). Investigators point out that by 12 months, the male cats in
Group 3 were already exhibiting the normal adult male characteristics of decreased weight and the development of jowls,
which accounts for some of the differences. It has also been noted that in the course of follow-up, the differences between
the weight in cats from Group 1 and 2 and Group 3 are becoming less apparent. All these cats have been placed in
selected and supervised pet homes and are more active than they were in the University facilities. A three-year follow-up
exam was to be conducted in May of 1994.

OBSERVATIONS
There was generally no difference in food consumption between the three groups other than the differences between males
and females, which were consistent in all groups. There was no difference observed in the growth rates in all three groups,
although the males grew faster in all groups. Increased long bone length was observed in both males and females in
Groups 1 and 2. This appeared to be due to the fact that physeal closing (closure of the bone growth plate) was delayed in
Groups 1 & 2. This explains why cats neutered and spayed as kittens are frequently larger (longer and taller) than
unaltered cats or cats altered later in life. This seems to be particularly true for males.

In terms of behavior, after 7 months, the cats in Group 3 were noticeably less affectionate and more aggressive prior to
altering than the cats in Groups 1 and 2. Contrary to popular opinion, neutered animals were as active as their unaltered
age mates.

Observations of urinary tract development showed no differences between the three groups other than the differences
related to sex and these were consistent across all groups. The investigators measured the diameter of the urethra in the
male kittens only and found no differences between the groups. Concerns have been raised that early neutering would
result in smaller diameters in the urinary tract, resulting in an increased incidence of cystitis and related problems. This
does not appear to be the case. The main differences observed between the groups occurred in the comparison of
secondary sex characteristics. Males were examined for differences in the development of the penis and prepuce (skin
covering the penis), as well as for the development of penile spines. The penile spines were absent in Group 1, smaller
than normal in Group 2, and normally developed in Group 3. In the examination of the female kittens, investigators
found that the vulvas were more infantile in Groups 1 and 2 and normal in Group 3. None of these differences had any
impact on the ability to catheterize the kittens. Concerns that development of the urinary tract might be arrested or
impaired by early spaying and neutering proved unsupported.

The results of this study so far indicate that the differences between cats neutered at 7 weeks and 7 months are
insignificant. The differences observed between animals in Groups 1 and 2 and the animals in Group 3, while in some
cases statistically significant, are not differences which appear to affect the health of the animal in a negative way.
While the final results will depend on the analysis of long-term follow-up, the indications are that early neutering is not
detrimental to the overall health of the animal. From the perspective of shelters and particularly in respect to the problem
of surplus puppies and kittens these results are encouraging. If all the animals adopted from shelters, including puppies
and kittens, are neutered prior to adoption, there should be a corresponding decrease in the numbers of animals
euthanized each year in this country. Preliminary results from Alachua County, near the University of Florida at
Gainesville, would seem to support this theory.

Alachua County Animal Control has been working with the investigators at the University and have had an early neuter
policy in place since 1990. No animal leaves the shelter without being neutered. In 1987 the county euthanized 1,250 cats
and dogs per month. Since implementing the early neuter policies they have seen the numbers drop to 940 per month in
1992 and there has been no increase in morbidity or mortality associated with the program.

In the last year, recognition of the safety and efficacy of early spay/neuter has grown rapidly. The American Humane
Association has endorsed early neutering prior to adoption as a "feasible solution to decreasing pet overpopulation and
the tragedy of resulting deaths." In July 1993, delegates to the American Veterinary Medical Association Annual
Meeting voted to give AVMA's support to the concept of early neutering. Work done by veterinarians at Angell
Memorial Hospital for the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals supports Dr. Bloomberg's
observations. Other organizations involved in early neuter programs include the Denver Dumb Friends League in
Colorado, the Miami Humane Society and Alachua County Animal Control in Florida, The Humane Society of Austin
and Travis County in Texas, the Chicago Animal Control in Illinois, the King County Animal Control in Washington
state, the Vancouver SPCA in British Columbia and the Southern Oregon Humane Society in Oregon. The Dekalb
Humane Society in Decatur, Collie Rescue of Metro Atlanta, the Georgia Alliance of Purebred Canine Rescuers, The
Haven (dog rescue) and Dog River Sanctuary in Douglasville are among the Georgia organizations working with early
neuter in dogs and cats, as well as exotic species.

The Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) has changed its show rules to permit altered kittens to compete. Many breeders of
pedigreed cats are working with their veterinarians to neuter pet quality kittens prior to placement in new homes. Those
breeders who have adopted this policy report that they are very happy with the practice. New pet owners indicate that
acquiring an already neutered animal relieves them of the worry and expense of scheduling the surgery at a later date,
enabling them to relax and enjoy their new companion. As is the case for shelter managers, breeders can relax in the
knowledge that the kitten they place today is not going to contribute to the surplus pet population tomorrow.

Article taken from (12/10/2006):  The Winn Feline Foundation Web-site  





All To-Pher cattery Kittens will be spayed (females) or
neutered (males) before they leave our cattery.  Generally
kittens will need to be over 8 weeks old and at least 2
pounds before the procedure is implemented.  Our
veterinarian performs the sterilization procedures on a
daily basis for the local animal shelter, and therefore has
many operation hours under his hand.  If you have
questions or concerns please do not hesitate to call us or
e-mail us, and share the concerns with us.  Only kittens
that will be used for breeding will be sold intact, and that is
based on a very delicate study of the persons interested in
breeding.  Generally we only sell breeding rights to people
who have established CFA catteries, and are interested in
Promoting and Perfecting the Traditional Siamese breed.


Early Spay and Neuter of Cats
Unexpected Benefits
From Franny Syufy
Article taken from: http://cats.about.com/cs/spayneuter/a/earlyneuter_2.htm

Notwithstanding the most obvious (and most critical) benefit, that of helping to diminish the population growth, certain
side benefits of early spay and neuteraccrued to the cats themselves, such as less traumatic surgery, quicker recovery, and
fewer complications.
I viewed a video produced by the U.C.Davis School of Veterinary Medicine in conjunction with AVAR, on the benefits
of early spay and neuter of cats. This video was intended for veterinary use, to demonstrate the comparative ease of the
technique with young kittens, as well as the collateral benefits. At the same time, I also viewed a video produced by the
American Humane Association, in which surgeries (both spay and neuter) were shown in both young kittens and cats at
the traditional appropriate ages.The criteria used for the suitability of kittens was a clear health check, at least two
pounds in weight, and two descended testicles for male kittens.

The Surgery
In preparation for the surgery, because of kittens' predisposition to hypoglycemia, they were not fasted as long as older
cats prior to surgery, but actually were given a small meal.

They were also well-swaddled in toweling and placed on a heated pad, because of the possibility for hypothermia. Other
than those preparations, the surgeries were basically the same, including the kind of anesthetics used for inducement and
maintenance. There were two important differences, however:
1. The surgeries went much quicker and with less trauma for the kittens because there were no extra layers of fat to cut
through. For the same reason, closure was a relatively simple process of one stitch through the one-centimeter incision for
the spay.
2. Because of the delicate nature of the organs at that young age, gentle tissue handling was important.

Recovery
Kittens shed the anesthesia much quicker than the adult cats. In a video comparing neutering surgery at two different
ages, fifteen minutes after the surgery the kitten was awake and starting to move around. The one year old cat was still
out cold. Within an hour, the kittens were moving around, playing, and eating. They didn't show the adult cat at an hour
later, but from my recollections, my own cats were still pretty groggy when we brought them home several hours later.

Conclusion
The evidence seems clear that early spay and neuter is not only safe for the youngsters, but that the procedure produces
less tissue trauma, is less stressful, provides a shorter recovery period, with a lower risk of complications. On the other
hand, no working studies are available to support the appropriateness of waiting the traditional period.
The concept has been slow to enter into the mainstream of small animal practice. However the fact that it is being
taught in more and more veterinary colleges, coupled with the endorsements of such august groups as the AVMA with
64,000 members; The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association, with over 8,000 members; The state veterinary
associations in California, Nevada, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Oregon, and Wisconsin; and numerous humane
societies, promises that new ground is being gained every day. One fact is for certain: people who run shelters can attest
that their NBA (Neuter Before Adoption) programs have contributed to increased morale in shelter workers.
That's a real plus, in my book.

Early- Age Spay / Neuter is Endorsed By:

AVMA-(American Veterinary Medical Assoc)  *  AVAR (Assoc of Vets for Animal Rights)
American Humane Association  *  The American Animal Hospital Assn
ASPCA  *  AKC
HSUS, Humane Society of the US  *  Cat Fanciers Association
Texas A & M College of Vet Med,  *   Univ of Minnesota Columbus Academy of Veterinary Medicine
Knox County Humane Society  *  Capital Area Humane Society
Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals  *  Doris Day Animal League
Spaying & Neutering Information