http://www.fivesaveslives.org/

Veterinary experts in the field of pre-pubertal gonadectomy (sterilization prior to the onset of puberty) presented a wide range of information on the benefits of early sterilization. The day began with Dr. P. Olson discussing the role veterinarians should play in controlling pet overpopulation, and the importance of educating clients about the need to sterilize prior to any reproduction. While the majority of owned cats are ultimately sterilized, a high percentage have at least one litter prior to sterilization. This perpetuates cat overpopulation, contributing to the millions of animals that are euthanized each year.
Dr. Olson went on to detail the history and politics of early age spay/neuter, explaining that there was no scientific basis for the common recommendation to sterilize at 6 months. Delaying sterilization was sometimes thought to ensure that clients would continue to bring their animals in for the required vaccinations. Dr. Olson emphasized the need for all adoption agencies to sterilize PRIOR to adoption, since failure to comply with contractual sterilization requirements is always a potential risk.
Dr. Salmeri then presented scientific data from several studies on the health effects of early-age sterilization. Many common misconceptions were addressed. She reviewed several studies, including one published in The Journal of American Veterinary Medical Association in 1997 that included 775 cats and 1213 dogs. Significant findings included:
*decreased surgical time for younger animals
*increased number of minor complications for older animals
*infectious diseases were comparable
*no difference in hypothermia (surgical time shorter for younger patients)
*after 3 years, there was an increased incidence of urinary problems in animals neutered AFTER 24 weeks of age
Information from other studies demonstrated:
*growth was not negatively impacted; in fact, early sterilization caused the growth plates to close later, resulting in slightly taller animals.
*urinary function was equal; urethral pressure profiles showed no statistical difference; the diameter of the urethra in early vs. traditional sterilizations was the same.
*secondary sex characteristics (infantile penis and os penis in males, infantile vulva in females) were impacted but there were no negative effects from this difference.
*immune system was not affected
Dr. Marvin Mackie, founder of Animal Birth Control in Los Angeles, California presented a practitioner's perspective. Dr. Mackie specializes in sterilization, and is a pioneer in early age as well as high-volume sterilization. Dr. Mackie informed participants that he prefers doing early age sterilizations because there is less bleeding (the animals are never in heat), the surgery can be performed with a much smaller incision and takes less time, there is excellent visualization since there is no body fat, the tissue is very elastic, recovery time and healing is much quicker and there is less patient discomfort.

Positive factors that determine how quickly an animal gets adopted (some are disheartening, but reflect human nature):
* Cat is friendly and outgoing rather than shy or reserved
* The younger the better (we are always getting calls from people who want to get a kitten that is "as young as possible")
* Appearance (this is one of my sources of disappointment):
- longer hair vs. shorter hair (long hair cats are a smaller percentage of the population, which helps them get placed more quickly)
- white, Siamese, calico are frequent requests
- condition of cat: appropriate weight, coat in good condition, etc.
* Health (particularly for older cats)
- documentation that they have received regular vet care
- condition of teeth and gums
- results of labwork (CBC, chemistry profile) if older (8+ years; people are concerned about adopting a cat with kidney failure, etc.)
* THE AMOUNT OF TIME AND ENERGY THE FOSTER PARENT DEDICATES TO FINDING HOMES
- making flyers with photos and tear off tabs on the bottom with phone number to call, widely posted (not just vets and pet stores; include churches, residential bulletin boards, etc.)
- individual ads;
While it would be nice to keep the kitties together (even if only in pairs), adding any such criteria will make it more difficult to place them.