Recently on one of the Devon groups a question appeared that comes back regularly:
„Good morning, I am getting a kitten from a cattery and you say that you recommend neutering after the sixth month of life and will not neuter when they are 14 weeks old. I have come across different opinions, so I would like to clear up my doubts.”
Under the post a multitude of replies from breeders appeared, who wrote clearly: early neutering is today a standard in many responsible catteries.
And indeed – we too neuter our kittens before release (around 14 weeks) and have for years been very glad of this solution.
Unfortunately, comments also appeared along the lines of:
„Breeders do this only so that others cannot make money on breeding cats”.
This is not only untrue, but also a considerable misunderstanding of the topic. Early neutering is not a „blockage” – it is above all a health, behavioral and responsibility tool, which serves the cat and the new family.
In this guide we explain, what early neutering really is, what science says and why we use it.
Early neutering (early spay/neuter) means a procedure performed before reaching sexual maturity, usually:
In our cattery we usually perform it at around the 14th week, that is, when the kitten is already stable, well developed, healthy (after dewormings, vaccinations and chipping) and ready to change homes.
Yes – and this is very well documented today.
Contemporary research and veterinary organisations confirm that with a correctly performed procedure:
Early neutering has for years been a standard, among others in: the USA, Canada, Australia, animal welfare organisations and shelters and many pedigree catteries around the world.
More and more experts in Europe support it too, especially in the context of domestic and „pet” breeding cats.
Early neutering means that the cat does not enter the full stage of hormonal maturation, which carries real health benefits.
Early neutering reduces the risk of:
It eliminates or significantly reduces:
These are not „upbringing problems” – they are the natural effects of hormones.
Early neutering is also an enormous plus for a cat's everyday life at home.
A cat that does not go through a strong hormonal storm:
In practice this means less stress for the cat and the owner.
In our cattery neutering before release is a standard and we make no exceptions, because this solution has enormous advantages for the buyer:
It is simply convenient, safe and honest.
No! Early neutering is not done so that „someone cannot breed the cat”.
It is done so that:
It is a standard in modern ethical breeding of pedigree cats „to love”.
If you want to read more scientifically and in detail, we highly recommend:
These are great sources, which show that early neutering is a decision backed by practice and knowledge, and not a „whim”.
In our cattery we perform early neutering routinely (around 14 weeks). We have done it on 50+ kittens (males and females).
And we can say clearly:
This is a solution that really works.
Early neutering:
And above all: it is done for the good of the cat.
If you have questions or doubts – we are always happy to talk about it.
Interested in a Devon Rex?
If you are interested in a Devon Rex kitten from our cattery, then:
You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok – we also regularly publish lots of photos, videos, and information there. Like and follow our profiles to stay up to date with what’s happening with us 🙂
If you have any questions, please contact us!
A cat's pedigree – what is it and why is it important?
A Pedigree is an official document confirming the origin of a purebred cat. It is issued by recognized feline organizations and serves as a kind of “ID card” for the cat, containing information about its ancestors, breed, and cattery. There are NO purebred animals without a pedigree! Every purebred cat from a legal cattery should have a pedigree, and if you are buying a cat, make sure you will receive it, absolutely and without any extra conditions.
Microchip in a cat – why is it worth it and what does it look like?
Microchipping your cat (chipping cats) – read about what a chip is, how it works, what a new Parent should know about it, what the costs look like, what microchipping cats involves (and whether it is painful), whether there are legal requirements for microchipping, whether every cat can/should have a chip, a few myths about chips, how catteries approach it, how we approach it, and finally two examples of how to use chips in a cat in an interesting way 🙂
What and how should you feed your cat? A guide to cat food
Choosing the right way to feed your cat is one of the most important decisions every owner makes. Diet has a huge impact not only on physical health, but also on a cat's behaviour, wellbeing and lifespan. Feline diet is a topic surrounded by many myths and emotions (also among breeders). After all, every owner wants their cat to be healthy, […]
