Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a new kitten who is about 4 months old, my vet made an appointment to get her spayed on March 16th. Is this too early? She seems so little still. I had a friend lose a kitten during the nuetering process a few years back because he couldn't handle the anethesia(sp?). I am a little worried that Ginger may be too young. I have never had a female cat, so this is all new to me. When do they go into their first heat cycle?
If anyone could help, I would really appreciate it.

Hi There,

Many vets these days will spay and neuter kittens at 2 months of age, as long as they weigh at least 2 pounds. They do extremely well and recover quickly. Where I work we even feed the kittens as soon as they are awake enough and they are hungry! They sure don't act as if they just had major surgery.

I'm assuming that since your kitten will be spayed by your regular vet, gas anesthesia will be used. I would ask ahead, as this is very important. Gas is the very safest anesthesia. If you should find out that your vet is using injectable anesthesia exclusively, I would cancel the spay appointment and have the surgery done elsewhere. It's ok to give injectable pre-anesthesia meds, but injectable anesthesia can be very dangerous if used exclusively. This is because once the injection is given, there is no control over how deep the cat will become during surgery. With gas, the anesthesia is given in a mixture along with oxygen and this can be adjusted throughout the surgery. Also, with gas, the cat is intubated. If there is a crisis, the open airway helps with emergency measures, such as delivering pure oxygen, if necessary.

Take care, and if you have any additional questions, please let us know.

Regards,
PHKitkat

My 8 yr old cat was spayed at 8 weeks old. She was fine. My 3 yr old cat wasn't spayed until almost 6 months. She did not recover as fast.

KitKat thanks for the information. I learn something new everyday.
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Jaime owned by
Mya the dog
and the cats:Crash, Gabby and Tucker

Thank you so much for the information, I will definitely ask my vet what anethesia method that they use. I am sure everything will work out fine, I am just concerned because she seems so young to have major surgery like that, but it seems like by the feedback I have been getting that this is the norm. Thanks again, and I will let you know how she makes out.

PHKitKat -
I just called my vet, and they stated that they will use an injectable sedation first with pain management, but then she would be intubated with gas only. Does that seem right? Is it safe to have her spay done in this manner?
I am still a wreck about the whole thing. I just get nervous when any surgery of any kind is performed on my animals. Please advise.

Hi There,

This sounds good. There is nothing wrong with using injectables for induction, then putting the cat on gas. Your baby will be intubated within seconds, then put on gas which she will get for the entire surgery. The tube remains in place until the cat shows signs of waking up, such as licking her lips and swallowing. Then she will be awake within minutes.

I understand your being nervous, but please be assured that your kitty is getting the very safest anesthesia possible. Even though I am a tech I get nervous also when one of my cats has to go under anesthesia. Even my 15 year-old with multiple health issues has always come through without any problems.

Take care, and I'll keep you and your baby in my thoughts and prayers.

Regards,
PHKitkat