• Neutering your kitten prevents it from contributing to the homeless pet population.kitten image by Annika from Fotolia.com
  
  Neutering is the procedure of removing the testicles from a male animal, rendering it unable to mate with a female. Male kittens are often neutered early to prevent them from developing bad habits, such as roaming and urine marking. The Humane Society of the United States estimates that between six and eight million homeless animals enter shelters each year. Removing the testicles from a kitten means it cannot contribute to the homeless animal population of the United States.
  
  

What are the Benefits of Neutering my Kitten?

• The benefits of neutering kittens are many. A neutered kitten is less likely to roam and spray, and neutering also eliminates the risk of testicular cancer and reduces the risk of prostate disease, according to Spay USA. Neutering also reduces aggressive behavior in male kittens and cats. The number of unwanted animals in shelters is reduced by neutering, and neutered cats live longer, healthier lives than non-neutered ones.
  
  

What is the Minimum Age?

• Traditionally, the minimum age to neuter a cat was 6 months. More recently, animal shelters and veterinarians have taken to neutering kittens weighing at least 3 lb. This is because it allows shelters to adopt kittens out at an earlier age without relying on the new owner to remember to neuter the kitten at 6 months, according to veterinarians at Mar Vista Animal Medical Center in Los Angeles. Neutering kittens as small as 3 lb. does not stunt their growth, nor does it increase the likelihood the kitten will be predisposed to feline lower urinary tract disease.
  
  

What is Involved in Neutering?

• When your kitten goes into its neuter surgery, it will receive local anesthesia. The veterinary surgeon will then make a small incision in your kitten's scrotum and remove the testicles through that incision. The kitten's cords can either be pulled free from the scrotum, or tied to each other. The incision does not require stitches due to its small size.
  
  

How Do I Care for My Kitten Post-Surgery?

• Neutering is a relatively low-risk surgery that does not require the cat to stay in hospital for a recovery period. Watch your kitten closely following the surgery to ensure it does not attempt to lick the incision site, as this can cause infection or prevent the incision from healing properly, according to Vet Info. Keep your kitten calm and quiet and don't allow it to engage in strenuous activity, such as jumping, for at least five days. Check the incision regularly to make sure it is healing properly and call your veterinarian if you have any concerns.