Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi All

I just rescued an abandoned kitten over the Christmas. He is about 8 weeks old now and has had all vet checks / wormed / flead / vaccinations etc. We also discussed micro chipping and neutering when he is a bit bigger.

I was just wondering:

1. Although for now I'm not considering it, I was just wondering at what age anyone would suggest I leave him with my other cat in a cattery if we go away. I could never part with him at the mo because he is so tiny but just wondered what your views were on it ?

2. At what age roughly can he be neutered ? I know it also depends on size / development etc

3. At what age roughly does the crazy mad-dashing aroubd the house phase start to ease off...cute as he is it's pandemonium when we give him some time out from his 'safe room' ?

4. I have another cat so kinda know what's what....but just wondered on kitten treats that are safe to give ? So far I have some little milk drops (lactose free) which are strange but he loves them and I just haven't really seen any more around. Any that anyone recommends would be much appreciated.

Thanks, will soon be getting pics scanned as none at the moment.
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Kind Regards
Pepsi and Cola's human Janis
MAX - Earned his wings April 2006 - Sleep tight Pussy Cat

"Like those great sphinxes lounging through eternity in noble attitudes upon the desert sand, they gaze in curiosity at nothing, calm and wise"
Charles Baudelaire

Hi There,

I would seriously consider hiring a cat sitter instead of boarding your babies if you were to go away. Cats tend to be stressed when away from home, and a young kitty especially would be prone to picking up at least a URI if another cat boarding has one.

You might get different answers on the best age to neuter, but where I work we will neuter as young as 8 weeks if the kitten weighs at least 2 pounds. Young kittens recover from the anesthesia rapidly and heal faster as well. We offer them food as soon as they are awake enough and they are hungry!

The age at which kittens slow down can vary also. I have found that at about one year of age most cats will slow down a little. But many remain kitten-like for much longer than others! I have a very, very, active 5 year-old.

Any kitten treats should be fine as long as they are given in moderation.

Regards,
PHKitkat

2. At what age roughly can he be neutered ? I know it also depends on size / development etc
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I'll back up KitKat on the early s/n techniques. I used a vet who did kittens at 3 lbs (1.36 Kg) for several rescued kittens a number of years ago and I was really happy with the results. She waited until 3lb mostly because she wanted bigger pieces parts to work with. They recovered much faster than kittens s/n with traditional techniques at 6 months or older.

Concats on the new furbaby!

Purrs,
Elizabeth

Hey Elizabeth

Thanks for that. He is getting much rounder now and more well defined on his legs so I'm sure it won't be long before he can be neutered. Just hope he won't hate me forever once it's done
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Kind Regards
Pepsi and Cola's human Janis
MAX - Earned his wings April 2006 - Sleep tight Pussy Cat

"Like those great sphinxes lounging through eternity in noble attitudes upon the desert sand, they gaze in curiosity at nothing, calm and wise"
Charles Baudelaire

Just hope he won't hate me forever once it's done
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Get it done early, he won't even notice - promise. If he hasn't already gone through any hormonal upheaval from the onset of puberty, he won't notice it leaving either. Housecats are emotionally kittens, it's why they can co-exist with us (and love on us!) The life of the average tomcat is ugly, brutal and short - why give him even a taste of the hormones that drive a tomcat? Besides, once a tomcat gets the urge to spray (about at 6 months of age), even a snip job won't curb it.

Enjoy your new furbaby!

Thanks for the advice. I am back at the vets a week tomorrow and I can see myself he is putting on weight so by then he will be about 9 weeks old so maybe they will suggest he gets booked in.

He's happy and healthy at the moment which is all I can ask for Will keep you all posted after the vet appointment.
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Kind Regards
Pepsi and Cola's human Janis
MAX - Earned his wings April 2006 - Sleep tight Pussy Cat

"Like those great sphinxes lounging through eternity in noble attitudes upon the desert sand, they gaze in curiosity at nothing, calm and wise"
Charles Baudelaire

As for the spaying, ask your Vet because it depends on him/her more than anything. I don't board mine, of course boarding 21 cats is not feasible but I have a good friend that comes in and does their care and checks on them daily. I have some that still run around at 7 years old or so and some who have never been real active. Depends on the kitty. Enjoy your new baby.
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PHWildCat/Tessa and 21 cats, 1 dog and even a hamster
Tabitha, in my heart forever.... earned her wings 6/26/05, Samantha, the bestest whineameezer...earned her wings 4/7/06.
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