Feline Fix by Five Initiative Supports Early Spay and Neuter

Waiting until six months to spay or neuter a cat can increase the risk of unintended pregnancy. Feline Fix by Five is a national campaign observed each February during National Spay/Neuter Awareness Month that urges cat owners to sterilize their cats by five months of age.

Esther Mechler launched the campaign in 2016 through her nonprofit, Marian’s Dream, after witnessing a steady stream of young, pregnant cats entering shelters year after year. Current veterinary research supports early spaying and neutering as a standard of care.

A group of young kittens rests closely together. Veterinary organizations promote early spaying and neutering to help prevent unintended litters and reduce shelter overcrowding. Photo: Cüneyt Yardımcı via Unsplash

Female cats spayed before their first heat cycle have a significantly lower risk of mammary cancer as compared to intact cats and cannot develop Pyometra, a life-threatening uterine infection. In male cats, early neutering reduces roaming and fighting, behaviors associated with free-roaming cat populations that experience high rates of injury and premature mortality.

Although eight weeks may sound young, pediatric spay and neuter procedures have been performed safely for decades when kittens weigh at least two pounds and proper veterinary protocols are followed. This approach is supported by the American Veterinary Medical Association, the American Animal Hospital Association, and the Feline Veterinary Medical Association.

Early sterilization also helps address shelter overcrowding during kitten season. Spaying or neutering cats before they reproduce reduces intake pressure on animal shelters by preventing the birth of entire litters.

Cat owners can support #FelineFixByFive by sharing their experiences and choosing early sterilization. Low-cost services can be found through the United Spay Alliance’s Spay/Neuter Referral Directory, which allows pet owners to search for state and local programs offering affordable spay and neuter care.

In addition to its U.S. directory, the United Spay Alliance’s International Spay/Neuter Directory features low-cost and specialized veterinary clinics worldwide. Cat owners outside the United States can use the International Directory to find trusted spay and neuter providers in Mexico, Canada, South America, Europe, and other regions worldwide.