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The litter tray

Join our community of cat lovers on the Mumsnet Cat forum for kitten advice and help with cat behaviour.

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Original poster

3 month old kitten - back garden

38 replies

Dollymixture22 · 19/08/2018 20:24

Grateful for a little advice. I have a 3 month old rescue kitten. She has been with me since she was 6 weeks, she has had all her shots - but isn’t spayed yet.

She is desperate to get outside and managed to get into the back garden this afternoon. I let her sniff around a little then brought her back in.

My vet has advised paying and micro chipping at 6 months. I wouldn’t let her outside un supervised but would it be ok to let her out in the garden with me?

OP posts:

Original poster

Dollymixture22 · 19/08/2018 20:30

Spaying not paying!

OP posts:

Scabetty · 19/08/2018 20:40

We used to take our kitten out and follow her around. She was spayed around 5 months; vet thought she weighed enough.

Original poster

Dollymixture22 · 19/08/2018 20:42

Ok thanks. I would hate anything to happen to her - but not sure if I am being OTT by keeping her inside all the time. I love gardening and she just watches from the window crying!!!

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Scabetty · 19/08/2018 20:50

I remember the first time she climbed a tree I nearly collapsed with worry 😀 We used to block the side gate with boxes too.

Original poster

Dollymixture22 · 19/08/2018 21:01

A tree! I am not ready for that!!!

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Want2beme · 19/08/2018 21:03

I'd continue to take her outside and stay with her. You could take her back in whilst you're gardening, as she'll probably be cute enough and quick enough to make a run for it if you're concentration lapses for a few seconds

LunaLovegoodsRadishes · 19/08/2018 21:05

Have you thought about a kitty leash? I've seen them in Pets at Home.

viccat · 19/08/2018 21:06

No. If she comes into season she will escape to get mated. This is how young stray mums end up giving birth outdoors - they escape, get lost and get pregnant.

Call a few vet's, you might find one that will spay at 4 months.

Original poster

Dollymixture22 · 19/08/2018 21:07

That’s what I am worried about, her making a mad dash for it. My garden has six foot fences - but she could climb them now!

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Beaverhausen · 19/08/2018 21:10

Cats can fall pregnant at 4 months. Your kitten is too young to be let out at 3 months unsupervised. Do try and find a vet who will say sooner than later our vet neutered at 12 weeks. 😊

Original poster

Dollymixture22 · 19/08/2018 21:11

I tried the leash harness thing. She hated it. Maybe try to get her spayed earlier. This is first cat I have had since I was a child and I’m a bit hazy on the rules. Buying loads of toys and climbing things to keep her happy. But worried she is bored.

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Original poster

Dollymixture22 · 19/08/2018 21:13

Is six months late the spay then? Wonder why the vet said this

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Sparrowlegs248 · 19/08/2018 21:17

6 months is usual. My girl kitten was spayed at 4 months though, as I have 2 other cats and it was almost impossible to keep her in. She was from a feral litter too and was desperate to get out.

Original poster

Dollymixture22 · 19/08/2018 21:26

My kitten was from a farm so also used to outdoors. But has adjusted to domesticated life very well!! She has only been with us for six weeks but it feels like she has always been part of the family!

I will keep her inside and speak to the vet about trying to spay a bit earlier.

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Original poster

Dollymixture22 · 19/08/2018 21:28

Thank you every one for the advice. She had a rough start in life and I just want to keep her safe, happy and healthy.

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Mindchilder · 19/08/2018 21:29

I think it's normal to spay at 4 months these days.

thecatneuterer · 20/08/2018 13:27

Six months is very outdated. It used to be recommended but was changed to four months quite a few years ago. If your vet says six months he is out of touch. He should be following BVA guidance on the matter.

Find a different vet and get her done at four months and don't allow her out before then.

dementedpixie · 20/08/2018 17:01

I found an alternative vet to neuter my 2 at 4 months as my vet also said 6 months.

Lynne1Cat · 20/08/2018 17:07

She can be spayed at 4 months. Get a cat harness from a pet shop, take her in the garden but don't let her go!

princesstiasmum · 20/08/2018 17:12

I hope she is wormed too, panacur is good for worming kittens, and yes get her spayed asap,in case she comes into season and attracts an un- neutered male

wildewillow · 20/08/2018 17:16

Have you thought about getting a little harness and lead for her? I take my kitten in the garden like this. Like you I'm not ready to let her out alone yet.

wildewillow · 20/08/2018 17:16

Sorry just saw your post about already trying lead

Original poster

Dollymixture22 · 20/08/2018 17:42

Tried the harness again today. Total freak out!!

She has been flea and worm treated at the vet. Has had three visits so far and after being a bit underweight at her first visit is now doing really well.

Looked up online a there are a few vets who do spay at 4 months. But will speak to mine first.

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Vinorosso74 · 20/08/2018 19:04

I would speak to your vet again. If she was underweight that may be the reason they said to wait? It is recommended to spay at 4 months now so I hope it is that reason rather than your vet going with old guidelines.

Vinorosso74 · 20/08/2018 19:07

And we do need the obligatory photo of your kitten!

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