Feline Fix by Five: Preventing Unwanted Litters and Promoting Feline Health
Did you know that kittens can get pregnant as early as four months old? This means that without early spay/neuter, a single kitten could contribute to the growing population of homeless cats in just a few months. By spaying or neutering before five months of age, we can prevent unplanned litters, improve feline health, and reduce overcrowding in shelters—especially during kitten season.
Early spay/neuter is a simple yet powerful step in reducing feline overpopulation. Unaltered cats can quickly lead to a cycle of unwanted litters, overwhelming animal shelters and increasing the number of cats living on the streets. Spaying and neutering before five months not only prevents these issues but also leads to healthier, happier lives for cats by reducing the risk of reproductive diseases and undesirable behaviors.
Why Feline Fix by Five?
For years, there was no clear consensus on the best age to spay or neuter cats, leaving pet owners and veterinarians uncertain about the right timing. The Veterinary Task Force on Feline Sterilization, backed by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), has now set a clear guideline: kittens should be spayed or neutered before they reach five months of age. This recommendation helps prevent unwanted pregnancies and offers significant health benefits, including reduced risk of certain cancers, infections, and behavioral issues such as spraying and roaming.
Despite these recommendations, some veterinarians still suggest waiting until six months or later, leading to missed opportunities for early intervention. The Feline Feline Fix by Five campaign is working to change that by educating both pet owners and veterinary professionals on the importance of timely sterilization.
A Simple Step with Big Impact
Fixing kittens by five months not only benefits individual cats but also helps shelters and rescues manage overpopulation more effectively. Each year, millions of cats enter shelters, many of them kittens born from unplanned litters. By advocating for early-age spay/neuter, we can significantly reduce shelter intake numbers, giving more cats the chance for a loving home.
Additionally, spayed and neutered cats tend to live longer, healthier lives. Spaying females eliminates the risk of uterine infections and drastically lowers the chance of mammary cancer, while neutering males reduces the likelihood of testicular cancer and aggressive behaviors.
Help Us Track Progress: Take the Cats Spayed in 2024 Survey
Help us track progress and win a fleece vest! If your organization has spayed cats in 2024, please take the Cats Spayed in 2024 survey. Your input supports efforts to expand spay/neuter initiatives. Follow @felinefixbyfive and @unitedspayalliance to see where you land on the Cats Spayed in 2024 Leaderboard.
Join the Movement
Feline Feline Fix by Five is a program of Marian’s Dream and United Spay Alliance. Together, we can make a difference—one kitten at a time. By spreading awareness and taking action, we can ensure a brighter future for cats, their families, and communities across the nation.
For more information, visit felinefixbyfive.org
Source: Feline Fix by Five
