Does my kitten really need a pre-op before an anaesthetic?

[LifeunderMarrs]

My kitten is going for his castration operation on 15th February. He will be 6.5 months by then so not tiny, but he is a little creature compared to his 'brother' at the same age.

When our older cat was castrated a year ago we weren't asked to give a pre-op and he was absolutely fine, but this year we've been asked to give it in droplets two hours before the operation, as it relaxes the cat.

I'm just a bit concerned that with such a little creature it might be too much with the general anaesthetic.

I Googled it and many vets throughout the UK don't seem to mention this, so wondered what other's experiences are, and should I just say no?

I imagine it’s pretty stressful being gripped tightly by strangers whilst having your leg shaved and then a needle put in it.
It won’t be too much medication or they wouldn’t ask you to give it. I wish my vet did this. My poor cat had two shaved legs where they’d obviously struggled to get a vein, she’s fought going into her carrier ever since and cowers on the table each year before her vaccinations.

Never heard of this and none of my cats have ever had it.

I’ve never heard of this and I’m sure their not rough with kittens.