How do I stop them from breeding??

[CognativeDissonance]

A few weeks before lockdown, I adopted two kittens from CPL. They were only 10 weeks at the time so CPL issued vouchers for them to be neutered once big enough. Obviously, this now cannot happen as it's a routine procedure. How on earth do I stop them from breeding in the mean time? They're fast approaching 16 weeks now so Girl kitten could potentially go in to heat fairly soon. From what I understand, male kittens start to respond to female kittens in heat from about 6 months. Is there any chance that this could happen sooner? Do I need to keep them separate if Girl kitten comes into heat before they both hit 6 months? The only way I could do this would be to put one in another room for the duration of her being in heat but I assume this could be quite distressing for them given the fact that they're a bonded pair and they're already so used to our home?
Sorry for all of the questions but I'd really appreciate any advice that anyone could give.

Are you absolutely sure they can't be neutered!? That seems ridiculous if the result is more kittens to find homes for!

This is such a nightmare isn't it! The knock on effect of this on the cat population doesn't bear thinking about. Yes you will have to keep them separate, at least while she's in heat, and you must keep both indoors and be very, very careful about doors and windows. If she comes into heat you will need to keep her in one room and make sure she has absolutely no means of escape - even tiny windows, high up, are a risk. Everything must be locked shut. I'm just hoping that spaying will be able to start again soon - after all, I would argue it is an emergency.

This is my thought! I checked the vet website but I will call tomorrow just to double check. They seemed very clear about emergency appointments only from what I saw though and I know this is the same across the country at the moment.

@DeborahAnnabelToo most vets have cancelled all but emergency appointments - partly due to shortage of vets as they're all ill or self-isolating, and partly reduce the numbers of people coming into clinics. I very much hope this will be made a priority again soon.

You're right, absolutely no neutering allowed at the moment. I'm a vet nurse and whilst I understand and agree with the reasons for the current restrictions I do think we should still be neutering male cats, your scenario being a case in point. I'm also worried people will dump male cats when they start spraying .
The current restrictions are for the moment in place for 3 weeks in the veterinary industry so there's still hope but yes they could mate before 6 months of age, I'm afraid all I can advise is to separate them if your female shows any signs of coming into heat. I am actually going to speak to my clinical director about this exact situation (things have been a bit hectic the last week or so! ).

Definitely double check with the vet. It would be less invasive to snip the boy, so maybe they would agree to do just him for now.

nice name @thecatneuterer

Yes I have a spare room that is secure. I'm just hoping that at the very least, she's not a cat that goes into heat at the 4 month mark and that I can get at least one of them spayed sooner rather than later

Some vets may do it if a male and female in the same house but essentially it's not an emergency procedure so it's unlikely as vets as HCP are minimising risks in accordance with professional guidance.

There are national shortages of oxygen and anaesthetic drugs so whilst posters like @DeborahAnnabelToo think it's ridiculous, vets have decided to prioritise humans who need essential oxygen supplies over cat neutering regardless of how inconvenient that may be.

Unfortunately you may need to plan to keep them separated for a month or two

Definitely call the vets and explain the situation as you don't want more kittens. You could potentially use a different vet if they'll accept the CP neutering voucher.
I also wonder about the amount of cats (and other animals) needing rescue spaces once this is over. I'm sure there will be an explosion in kitten numbers, strays and those people for bored with the cats they bought online whilst stuck at home.

There are contraceptives available for cats - I don't know anything about them, but it could be worth asking your vet. I think it's in the form of an injection.

Female cats can have a hormone injection to prevent their heat. I wonder if the vet could mail you one and you can administer it yourself, perhaps with the vets guidance via Skype or facetime?

Cat contraceptives??? Who knew there was such a thing! I'll have to investigate and see what I can find out.
If I have to lock her away, will she be very distressed? I hate the thought of that

My vets practice would still neuter your cats for this reason. Whereabouts are you? Have a ring around different ones and ask.

Neutering is still going on as Ive just enquired for my dog

@Wavescrashingonthebeach
It shouldn't be - it's against Royal college guidance for the profession

Yeah she won't like it. The only other suggestion I can make is for a friend or family member to temporarily foster one of them but you would likely have problems reintroducing them if this goes on for a while.

Neutering is still going on as Ive just enquired for my dog

If your vet is going against current guidelines they are putting their staff, families and everyone of us at unnecessary risk and I would be changing vets and reporting them to the Royal college.

@Veterinari ok I understand the reasons now you've explained why (tho you really didn't need to be so snippy about it) but I'm still concerned about more unwanted animals being born and potentially living unpleasant lives. That doesn't mean I don't appreciate why the veterinary profession has taken this tack.

It shouldn't be - it's against Royal college guidance for the profession

My dog really needs it doing. He is a large adult rescue dog from a bad background.
The vet my relative enquired with has a long and good history with previous pets in our family.

They did say in 3 weeks so i dont know if that is allowing for lockdown

@BlueGheko I considered this option briefly but yes, it's the unknown length of time that puts me off. My mum would jump at the chance to foster one but I'd be scared it would end up being a long term if not permanent arrangement. I'd be heartbroken even though my mum only lives 10 minutes away!

Also wouldn't want to split up a bonded pair. They'd pine for each other I'm sure

You can definitely get cat contraception. Call your vets tomorrow and explain and they may be able to prescribe it for you to order online or collect safely.

@Wavescrashingonthebeach

If he's a rescue and showing signs of anxiety or aggression (if that's what you mean by desperately needs it) then the last thing you should be doing is neutering him as it will likely make his behaviour much worse.

What do you mean by desperately needs neutering? It's not an essential procedure - dogs are designed to function with all of their body parts

@Veterinari

I didnt say 'desperately' just 'really'.

Other male dogs go for him as he is intact. The problem is he is alot bigger than the ones going for him and he could hurt them if he retaliates. We had this same problem with our rottie and it stopped when we got him done. Id rather not get my boy done if i dont need to, an operation is an operation no matter how small the risks.
Ive also been reported by a neighbour for having a banned breed- which he isnt- police turned up and he was fine we did have a chat about neutering. But that was just a chat, ive not been ordered to have him done. But i would imagine if i come across the police again it looks better if he is neutered.