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Pre-adoption sterilization
- Les Aristocoons
- Oct 2
- 4 min read
Pre-adoption neutering for cats is an essential practice that offers many benefits for both the animals and their future owners. This procedure, performed before the kitten joins its new home, contributes to its well-being and harmonious coexistence.
The arguments FOR 💚
First, neutering effectively prevents feline overpopulation. Every year, thousands of cats are abandoned or euthanized due to a lack of available homes. Neutering cats before adoption limits unwanted litters and helps combat overpopulation in shelters and on the streets.
You can read our information capsule on the reasons to adopt vs. buy your pet.
From a health perspective, neutering significantly reduces the risk of certain serious diseases. In females, it reduces the risk of uterine and ovarian cancers, as well as uterine infections such as heartburn. In males, it prevents prostate problems and certain testicular cancers. Early neutering has even been shown to reduce the chances of developing gingivitis or feline asthma.
Sterilization also has an impact on the overall health of the breed. Indeed, having a female cat produce litters of kittens without having previously done the health tests associated with her breed and / or by mating her with a tomcat that has not been tested or even of a different breed can have dramatic impacts on the health of the kittens resulting from this mating and tarnish the overall health of the breed. Our first duty as breeders will always remain to finish lines that have health problems by sterilizing cats that have not passed the health tests to strengthen the health of our breed.
Neutering also has a huge impact on cat growth, as a so-called entire (unneutered) cat has a very fast metabolism due to reproductive hormones. It will therefore have a much harder time gaining weight and getting all the nutrients it needs for growth. Early neutering will therefore ensure easier growth and the cat will have a greater ability to focus on its growth instead of its reproductive needs.
The opinion of the great veterinary researcher Dr. Emmanuel Fontaine, specialized in reproduction, on endocrine modifications and LH: Click here
The opinion of the great veterinary researcher Dr. Emmanuel Fontaine, specialized in reproduction, on the impact of surgery on growth: Click here
Neutering also has a positive impact on a cat's behavior. It can reduce or eliminate unwanted behaviors such as urine marking, running away, and fighting among other cats. A neutered cat is generally calmer and more likely to adapt to its family environment, which facilitates its integration and strengthens the relationship with its adopters. Neutering also helps reduce the urge to run away due to the search for breeding partners.
From an economic perspective, pre-adoption neutering helps avoid future expenses related to unplanned litters or treatment for diseases resulting from risky behaviors. Adopting a cat that has already been neutered therefore offers peace of mind to new owners, who can focus on the development of their companion without having to worry about this medical intervention.
For Maine Coons, our kittens are always much larger and fatter than kittens of other breeds, so it is much easier for a surgeon to perform the neutering earlier since Maine Coon kittens rarely weigh less than the minimum weight required for neutering surgery.
Other experienced breeders around the world also have similar views to ours, here are two:
Maine Coon breeder in France: Click here
Maine Coon Breeder in the United States: Click here
The arguments AGAINST ❤️
Some breeders and adopters are against neutering before adoption. Their arguments are based primarily on concerns about the kitten's growth and development. Since the Maine Coon is a slow-maturing breed, some believe that neutering too early could affect bone and muscle growth or prevent the cat from fully benefiting from the role hormones play in its natural development.
There are currently no reliable and proven research results that show that neutering has a real impact on bone and muscle growth in cats. Others also point out a higher anesthetic risk in a very young cat, even if current techniques are generally safe. Moreover, the growth of Maine Coons ends around 5 years of age, so even if neutering takes place when the kitten is 6 months old, it will not allow it to complete its growth without being impacted (if there really is an impact). Moreover, studies even tend to prove the opposite, cats neutered earlier have faster growth.
Added to this is the fact that some adopters prefer to decide for themselves when to sterilize, often with the veterinarian of their choice, and consider that this decision is up to them. Finally, preconceived ideas still persist, such as the one that it is necessary to wait for the first heat or for a cat to have a litter before being sterilized, which contributes to fueling hesitations. It is very important to understand that it is simply false that it is necessary to have a female have a litter before sterilizing her.
On a practical level, pre-adoption sterilization can also represent a significant cost for the breeder, which can increase the "cost" of the kitten and/or explain the real position of certain breeders.
In short, at Les Aristocoons it's a yes to early sterilization! ✔️
Finally, pre-adoption neutering demonstrates responsibility on the part of breeders and shelters. It demonstrates a commitment to animal health and welfare, ensuring adopters receive a healthy cat ready to live a happy life.
Pre-adoption neutering is a beneficial decision on several levels. It preserves the cat's health, prevents overpopulation, reduces unwanted behaviors, and facilitates a stress-free adoption. Adopting a cat that has already been neutered is both an ethical and practical choice, ensuring a harmonious and responsible cohabitation.
All these benefits are why, at Les Aristocoons, all our kittens will be sterilized until veterinary medicine proves that this practice actually causes health and growth consequences in cats.
Want to make up your own mind? Make sure your sources are reliable and that the opinions shared are based on real studies. You can start your research with the link below.
The opinion of the great veterinary researcher Dr. Emmanuel Fontaine, specialized in reproduction, on feline sterilization and its impacts: Click here
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