Regina Cat Rescue encourages pet parents to spay (female) or neuter (male) their cats and kittens sooner than later.

Generally, kittens are sterilized at the age of six months. After much research and discussion, RCR introduced a policy on June 1, 2013 that ensures no kitten will leave RCR’s care before the age of 12 weeks and no cat or kitten will leave RCR’s care unsterilized. Working together with partners in the community, RCR now sterilizes kittens at the age of 12 weeks, provided they meet weight and health requirements in veterinary examinations. Kittens that don’t meet the requirements won’t be sterilized until the vet gives them the green light.

Sterilizing kittens at this early age, called pediatric sterilization, remains uncommon in Saskatchewan, but it shouldn’t be. Cats, just like humans, are all different and some reach sexual maturity faster than others. Spaying or neutering kittens before they’re sexually mature is safe and practical. It’s the most effective means for RCR to ensure there are no accidents and that all cats in RCR’s care are sterilized.

Pediatric sterilization also prevents unwanted behaviours that often develop as maturity sets in, such as spraying, aggression, anxiety and the desire to roam. It also prevents the risk of pregnancy at such a tender age, which can be life-threatening for kittens so young and small.

An additional benefit to people adopting from RCR is that they’ll never need to worry about the cost or time required to spay or neuter their cats! Bringing a pet into the family is a big commitment filled with many responsibilities. With RCR handling sterilization and recovery, there’s one less thing for new pet parents to do!