Neutering

For similar reasons we advise neutering of queens but also to control the cat population and the anti-social behaviour of fighting cats.  Male cats if left entire can develop behavioural issues, marking of areas and fighting are very common.  They are statistically more likely to suffer from road accidents, presumably due to increased roaming and have a higher incidence of FIV infection.  We are happy to neuter female cats from 4-5 months of age as long as they are mature enough and a good body weight, sometimes even earlier. Male cats, dependent on their size, but usually from 4-5 months of age. Sometimes it may be appropriate to neuter earlier, for instance feral kittens and we are happy to do that too,  please contact us directly if this is needed.

Rabbits are a gregarious species and the vast majority are happiest in bonded pairs or, if carefully introduced, groups. Whilst they can occasionally be same sex pairs, normally litter mates; these require prepuberty neutering, male or female, to prevent fighting.  As a general rule however a neutered male/female pair is generally safer. Again with youngsters this needs to be done before puberty to avoid unwanted litters. 

If you have a single rabbit it is wiser to go to a rescue so that they can have some choice in their partner, just introducing a new rabbit of your choice is not always an easy bond! After extensive experience with a local rabbit rescue over the last 8 years we are happy to perform quite early neutering generally from 12-16 weeks. Neutering is very important therefore to allow bonded pairs; it also reduces frustration and often aggression. Many unneutered females in particular can be aggressive when hormonal. Unspayed female rabbits also have a very high incidence of uterine cancer.

Many small pets such as rats, guinea pigs, chinchillas for example are regularly castrated for similar reasons.  We less regularly spay these but contact us to talk about individual cases.