What is the correct age to neuter a male maine coon? And, does neutering to early effect the testosterane and inhibit growth? Thank

-- Anonymous, December 29, 1999

Answers

This is a difficult question as there is no absolutely "correct" age to neuter a cat. All I can tell you is that early spay and neuter programs have been in force for years and have shown no ill effects on the animals (plenty of research papers on this if you want more info). All my males have been neutered at between 14-18 weeks and they have all been huge! Contrary to some opinion, my experience is that early neutering increases size in MCs, not diminishes development at all! Coat growth, bone development and head size have been much better in the early neuter. Makes sense if you think about it......a lot more of the cat's "attention" goes into growth rather than being involved in a lot of testosterone "battles"! Early spay and neutering also makes for quicker surgery, less anaesthesia time, much faster recovery, etc.

-- Anonymous, December 31, 1999