When to spay and neuter

Question
QUESTION: Hello!  I'm proud mama to two 8 week old kittens (have had them since they were 5 weeks).  I have been trying to transition them to better quality foods (dry and wet Natural Balance, Scientifc, Avoderm and now Nutro Max Cat).  Yesterday, one of my kitties threw up.  The consistency was the food they had just eaten.  Kittens are extremely playful even after vomiting. Its my fault. I think I'm trying to much too fast!  They are getting full round bellies but I don't want to hurt them.  What would be an ideal way to transition them gradually to new high quality brands of food?  Am I hurting them?

ANSWER: Cristina,

What your kitten did was to wolf down the food too quickly, after which it came right back up.  Unlike people, this kind of vomiting does not really hurt the kitten, and it is not unusual for kittens to throw up once in a while like that.

We tend to measure out their food and feed them twice a day rather than let them free feed.  If the kitten continues to overeat, you can give smaller amounts 3 times a day until they get a little older.

Best regards... Norm.



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: My kitties are going to be 12 weeks old tomorrow and what a rambunctious two!  I am reading about early spay and neutering and wanted to ask when would the ideal age to get them "fixed" be?  Will I have to keep them separated post-op?  They are always running around causing havoc.  I would hate that they hurt themselves after the operation.

Answer
Cristine,

They can be neutered/spayed at 12 weeks if they are 4 pounds or more.  Most vets are more comfortable altering at 16 weeks.

Males would not have a problem.  With females, you do have to keep an eye on the stitches until they are to come out (usually ten days).  After the first couple of days of feeling puny, most females do just fine.  I would just check the incision daily to make sure nothing is amiss. We tend not to separate anyone after the first day or two home.

More than anything, you should follow your vet's instructions.

Best regards... Norm.