Depending on the time of year, female cats can become sexually active as early as four months of age; male cats tend to become sexually active by six months. It is best to have your cat spayed or neutered before it becomes sexually active in order to prevent accidental pregnancy, as well as the hormone surge that can lead to undesirable behaviors such as urine marking. The belief that females should have one litter before being spayed is a complete misconception; actually, a female animal will have better long-term health if she is spayed prior to her first heat cycle. Spays and neuters can be performed safely on animals as young as eight weeks of age. As a bonus, these younger animals often have an easier and quicker recovery compared to older animals.

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