2010 Early Spay and Castration

Download - Full Position Statement on Early Spay and Castration

Early spaying and castration (neutering), also called prepubertal gonadectomy, is defined as surgical sterilization of sexually immature animals 6–14 weeks of age.

The American Association of Feline Practitioners supports neutering early in life as a safe and effective method of decreasing cat overpopulation, and one which confers long-term medical and behavioral benefits to the individual cat.

Included in the position statement are:

• Welfare Considerations
• The Veterinarian's Responsibility and Duty
• Benefits to the Individual Cat
• Opposition to Early Spaying and Neutering
• Education
• Public Policy