Cat owners need better information about when to neuter their cat

Despite current recommendations by UK welfare organisations that cats should be neutered at four months, a new study from the 'Bristol Cats' study cohort has shown that 85 per cent of pet cats are not neutered by the recommended age possibly due to cat owners needing better information about when to neuter their cat. The research led by academics at the University of Bristol's School of Veterinary Sciences is published online in the Veterinary Record . In 2006, the recommended neutering age of pet cats reduced from six to four months of age. The study assessed the proportion of cats neutered at these ages. Data were obtained from owner-completed questionnaires at recruitment, when kittens were aged eight to 16-weeks, and six and a half to seven months of age. Demographic and lifestyle factors were also assessed for potential association with neuter status. The researchers found that of the 751 cats in the study, 14.1 per cent and 73.5 per cent had been neutered at, or before, four and six months of age, respectively.