Any cat experts out there?

[Carolyn 1]

I have the two cutest 5 month old kittens in the world, but I'm a little worried about having a houseful soon!

My kittens, male and female littermates, were found today in a position that looked suspiciously like he was going to mount her...he was biting the back of her neck and just looked poised...

The vet said to wait until she is 6 months old to get spade, but maybe I should do it sooner?

[cmartyn 0]

Usually between 5 & 6 month they go into heat.

[Carolyn 1]

No heat yet (that I know of), but her tail was wagging when he was getting into position...

[doodlebug 3]

No heat yet (that I know of), but her tail was wagging when he was getting into position...

My husband had a cat that hung around his old flat for a while and she had kittens. One didn't survive but the female one did. I believe she was around 5 months when she got pregnant and now there are three cats around the flat, her and two widdle kittens. Babies having babies. Kids these days...they start so young!

[Caladan 19]

They can get pregnant pretty young, mid-to-late first year of life. If they're not spayed and neutered, now's the time. According to my vet, there's no real harm in spaying them sooner.

[~*Maria*~ 1]

6 months old is the preferable age amongst vets for spaying females but there are some vets that will spay them at 5 months old. Sounds like your male kitten is gettin himself ready for her.

Has your female kitten started her heat season yet?? Is she acting strange for example....is she crouching down on her front paws with her butt in the air ......is she meowin in a higher pitched noise than usual.......eating more......restlessss.......any of these signs could be that she is due to start her heat season/is in heat.

If she is in heat, i'd suggest keeping your male kitten away from her or contacting your nearest Veterinary Hospital and booking her in to be spayed..it will cost a little more than normal compared to a kitten not in heat.

PS, my female kitten went into her first heat season at 5 months!

Edited August 1, 2007 by MariaDane

[~*Maria*~ 1]

6 months old is the preferable age amongst vets for spaying females but there are some vets that will spay them at 5 months old. Sounds like your male kitten is gettin himself ready for her.

Has your female kitten started her heat season yet?? Is she acting strange for example....is she crouching down on her front paws with her butt in the air ......is she meowin in a higher pitched noise than usual.......eating more......restlessss.......any of these signs could be that she is due to start her heat season/is in heat.

If she is in heat, i'd suggest keeping your male kitten away from her or contacting your nearest Veterinary Hospital and booking her in to be spayed..it will cost a little more than normal compared to a kitten not in heat.

PS, my female kitten went into her first heat season at 5 months!

Edited to say: your female kitten will eat less!!! not more

[Caladan 19]

Mine meowed pitifully the first time she went into heat. Constant 'I'm horrrrnnnny' throughout the whole apartment.

[Carolyn 1]

No, no signs of heat yet (thank God). I think I'll call tomorrow and get an appointment anyways.

Possible touchy subject: has anyone heard of getting a vasectomy instead of neutering a male cat? My husband can't bear the thought that his little boy would never be able to have sex...

[Caladan 19]

I think you'd still have the problem with spraying and aggression. I've never heard of a vasectomy for cats. But I wouldn't worry about the cat missing its sex life; cats are great, but they pretty much have brains the size of walnuts.

[Carolyn 1]

Not mine!!

[Caladan 19]

Maybe yours got the brain mine didn't. She's been fighting a paper bag for an hour. I think the bag is winning.

[britty 1]

No, no signs of heat yet (thank God). I think I'll call tomorrow and get an appointment anyways.

Possible touchy subject: has anyone heard of getting a vasectomy instead of neutering a male cat? My husband can't bear the thought that his little boy would never be able to have sex...

One of the main reasons for neutering is to reduce many anti-social behaviours including straying, fighting, aggressive behavior, peeing in the house, and spraying in the house. It also reduces the likelihood of unwanted kittens, or adding to colonies. The cat does not suffer for not being able to indulge with the lady cats so its not cruel. Yes your cat may be in a little pain after having his bits removed, but he will be fine in a day or two and its a very responsible thing to do as a cat owner. If your cat stays indoors and cannot come into contact with a female then of course you can consider not neutering, but be aware that anti-social behaviour may occur as the cat reaches maturity.

[~*Maria*~ 1]

No, no signs of heat yet (thank God). I think I'll call tomorrow and get an appointment anyways.

Possible touchy subject: has anyone heard of getting a vasectomy instead of neutering a male cat? My husband can't bear the thought that his little boy would never be able to have sex...

Ok, your husbands little boy as he puts it wont have a vasectomy basically his little boy will ummmmmmmmmmmm have his umm nutz removed hope your hubby isnt reading this dont want him getting all worried and such .....hahahaha....but anways thats what happens when a male kitten gets neutered!

[Carolyn 1]

I read somewhere on the internet that cat vasectomies are common in Europe...is that just some sort of internet legend or a reality?

Admittedly I haven't really done my research yet...