Spaying my puppy

Question
Hello, my name is Melanie and my husband and I just adopted a boxer puppy a few months ago. Two days ago I made an appointment with our vet to have her spayed but upon thinking about it more I am afraid we may be spaying her to early. She was born on June 11 so she is a little over 4 months. Is this to early? And what would happen if we did spay her to early. Also, my husband and I are about to bring a mother kitty and one of her kittens home to live with us. I took my puppy over to visit the kitty's and the mother cat attacked the puppy b/c she is so protective of her babies. Do you have any advice on how to help them adjust each other?  

Answer
Hi Melanie!  Being that a dog's first heat can take place as early as 4 months of age, you are not having her spayed too early.  Some veterinarians perform the spaying surgery even earlier.  Spaying at 4 months is definitely not a problem, so don't you worry one bit!  I love boxers!  They are so sweet!  Congrats on your new addition!
As for the mother cat and kitten. If these were outside strays, they may be a bit on the wild side until they get used to life indoors and human contact.  It would be likely for the mother cat to be a bit protective over her babies and lash out on the puppy because of it.  To bring her home, I would set her and her kitten up in a room separate from the dog.  Take a blanket and rub it on your dog, and set the blanket in with the mother cat and kitten.  This will get them used to the puppy's scent, which will make it easier for them to become accustomed to eachother. As the cat and kitten begin getting used to you and your husband and comfortable with you, allow short visits with the dog. Once the cats seem pretty comfortable with the dog, allow them to have free run of the house with your dog.  They should get along just fine once they get used to eachother.  My husband and I have 5 cats who were all rescued, and although they were afraid of our dog when first coming into our home, within 2 weeks, they were buddies with him.  It may take some time, but the outcome is usually very good.
I hope this helps and congrats on your new family members!
Please keep me posted as to how they all do,
Hilary