Should cats be de-sexed or not?

Cats generally start to mature sexually at six months, and most cats start to come into heat when they are eight months old. Therefore, the best time to de-sex is between six and eight months, when it is the most suitable time. In principle, it is ideal to perform the operation after the cat has reached physical maturity and has come into heat once. At this stage, the cat’s reproductive and corresponding organs are already mature. Surgery too early may cause urinary stones and other reproductive and secret urinary disorders. Male cats are generally recommended to be de-sexed. This is because male cats are more reactive in heat, usually with more violent chirping and may even appear to go out in search of cats of the opposite sex, thereby increasing the chances of wandering and jumping. In addition, male cats are more prone to reproductive diseases as they age, and de-sexing reduces the level of relevant hormones by removing the testicles and other reproductive organs, from avoiding or reducing the risk of reproductive diseases in cats, and thus safeguarding their health.