Early Neutering – A Good Option
Neutering male kittens can be done before they are ready to leave for their new homes – anywhere from 8 to 12 weeks of age is perfectly fine. It’s also not uncommon for breeders to deliver non-breeding kittens already neutered around 14 weeks.
The advantage is that the kitten gets to recover in familiar surroundings with the breeder. The new owner avoids an early trip to the vet – with all the stress of carriers, travel, and unfamiliar places. At the same time, the breeder can rest assured the cat won’t be used for breeding if the new owner delays neutering. The new owner can then focus entirely on settling the kitten into its new home and routine.
Jonatan’s Turn
Jonatan was neutered about six weeks after he came to us – in mid-April. There were several reasons we chose to wait a little:
We wanted to get him used to the carrier and car trips first
It had to fit around work – we preferred to be home with him all day
And we had an appointment for our dog at the same time
He also showed no hormonal behavior while with us – except for one minor “Viking raid” on Baltus. But we had already booked the neutering appointment, which was just a few days later.
For the record: the next time we visited Baltus, Jonatan showed no such behavior – so the neutering clearly helped!
Why Neutering Is So Important
We often get questions about marking and conflict in multi-cat households. The first thing we ask is: Are all the cats neutered?
All too often, the answer is no.
Remember: a learned bad habit – like urine marking – is much harder to fix than it is to book a vet appointment.
Many people wait and delay neutering...
Until there’s tension in the group
Until the sofa or bed has been peed on
Until the neighbors start complaining
So please: wait to get a cat until you can afford neutering –
don’t wait to neuter until you can afford it.
That people in 2025 still let unneutered and unchipped cats roam unsupervised – despite all the information available – is hard to understand.
The Day at the Vet
Odin was scheduled for a DNA test, patella check, and vaccine – and Jonatan was getting neutered. Both boys are used to traveling. Jonatan jumped out of the carrier with his tail high and was very curious about his new surroundings. Odin danced around on his hind legs on the floor, eager to get up on the exam table – unaware of the kind of “attention” going on up there.
After a quick health check, Jonatan was given something to sleep on. Odin finally got his turn on the table and received much gentler treatment: vaccine, DNA swab, patella check – and a treat. Healthy and happy, he was sent to the waiting room while Jonatan was neutered. It’s a quick procedure – just a matter of “snapping off” the two little peas.
Even if impatient Odin thought it took far too long before he got to see his little buddy again.
Back Home
Usually, when someone returns from a vet visit, the other cats at home are suspicious – growling and avoidance are common. But not this time. Quite the opposite – everyone was curious and kind to the patient.
Odin seemed a little worried about his little brother, and the older cats probably appreciated the calm atmosphere in the house that evening – and going forward.
The next morning, everything was back to normal. Jonatan acted like his usual self – just with a neatly trimmed rear end and furry pants.
He might feel it if he sits on pine needles in Tiger Forest over the next few weeks.
