I have 2 Maine Coon kittens (male and female) which are now 5 months old. My breeder has suggested not neutering until at least 8 months. My vet feels strongly that they should be neutered at 6 months. I want to do what is best for the health of the kittens, but do not want to find myself with a litter. I know there are no absolutes in these kind of things, but I would appreciate any input from people more experienced with Maine Coons than I. I do trust my breeder and my vet, so some other opinions might be helpful in deciding when to have them neutered. Thank you in advance for any help/insight you can offer.

-- Anonymous, October 08, 1998

Answers

Kathy - There are definate medical advantages to spaying a female her first heat cycle - in adition to avoiding possibility of a litter, in the pre-pubescent female the blood supply is not as developed as it wil be during heat cycles and pregnancy - so it is slightly safer surgery. In addition, spay before the first heat greatly reduced the incidents of mammary tumors, so long term benefits apply as well.

In the male cat, there are no demonstrated advantages for early neuter. There are some people who feel the male cat develops a more male structure if neutered at or after puberty, but there is also not much research to support that theory. In some cases a male kitten start to spray if not neutered soon enough, but Maine Coons tend to mature late. Ask your breeder when her boys generally mature. I waited til 10 months on my brown boy - no problem. My blue boy, I waited til 11 months, and he started peeing on the couch, and only if he saw a cat outside. After the surgery he quit immediatly, but we were also sure to confine him for a few days and cleaned up the area with "Natures Mirical" oder remover.

However, your vet may be suggesting you spay and neuter on the same day, so that one kitten doesn't injure the other - say the girl was spayed and her brother 'welcomed' her home with a wrestling match. Should you elect to have the surgeries of different days, you can avoid this problem by isolating each kitten for a day (male) or for a few days (female), after the surgery.

You have several options. Talk to your vet, and the breeder.

regards

Cathy Crossgrove

(I'm not a vet, but worked as an assistant several years ago)

-- Anonymous, October 08, 1998