My 4-month-old kitten is in heat!

[Caandylilacs]

It was unexpected and it happened late Sunday. So we took her in this morning (Tuesday) for her operation.

Everything I've read told me to get her fixed before her first heat, but honestly, I didn't think it would happen this young! All my other cats hadn't gotten their first heat by six months, when I had them spayed and neutered. And she's really small. She might weigh three pounds, but I suspect it's slightly less.

Any problems with the baby coming into heat so early or me having her spayed during her first heat? She's an inside cat and there's no chance of her being pregnant.

Thanks,
C

[Traci]

As long as she is over 2-3 pounds and in excellent health, the spay should go smoothly. When spaying while in heat, it is a more involved procedure simply due to excess blood and inflammation.

Cats can go into heat as early as 3 months of age. Early-age spay/neuter can be done, but you need to garantee excellent health status and proper weight prior to spaying. I also recommend a presurgical blood screening prior to any surgery, to monitor liver and kidney values/candidacy for anesthesia.