Establishing a standard recommendation for the age of feline spay/neuter.
   

What does it mean to endorse Feline Fix by Five?

Feline Fix by Five is built around a clear, evidence-based recommendation: that kittens should be spayed or neutered by five months of age, before they reach sexual maturity.

This recommendation was developed by a national task force of veterinarians and is supported by decades of clinical experience and published research. The goal is to reduce preventable health risks, avoid unplanned litters, and improve outcomes for cats, caregivers, shelters, and communities.

Organizations and professionals who endorse Feline Fix by Five are expressing support for this recommendation and for efforts to promote timely feline spay/neuter as a best practice.

By endorsing Feline Fix by Five, organizations and professionals are supporting:

  • A standardized recommendation to spay or neuter cats by five months of age

  • Science-based, veterinarian-informed guidance on early-age spay/neuter

  • Public education efforts that help prevent unplanned litters before they occur

  • Improved outcomes for cats, caregivers, shelters, and communities

Endorsements

The Feline Fix by Five campaign is grounded in veterinary leadership and professional consensus.

In June 2017, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) formally endorsed the consensus document developed by the Veterinary Task Force on Feline Sterilization for Age of Spay and Neuter Surgery. The consensus recommends that cats not intended for breeding be spayed or neutered by five months of age.

This endorsement joined support from other leading veterinary and feline organizations, including the Feline VMA (formerly the American Association of Feline Practitioners), Association of Shelter Veterinarians (ASV), American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), EveryCat Health Foundation (formerly the Winn Foundation), Catalyst Council, Cat Fanciers’ Association and The International Cat Association.

Support for Feline Fix by Five continues to grow. We invite organizations that support the recommendation to add their endorsement. Together, these endorsements build credibility, strengthen consensus, and help elevate best practices for kittens throughout our communities.

SUMBIT AN ENDORSEMENT

Letter from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA):

“The American Veterinary Medical Association is pleased to provide its endorsement of the consensus document put forth by the Veterinary Task Force on Feline Sterilization for Age of Spay and Neuter Surgery. While more specific, the consensus document is consistent with the AVMA policy on Pediatric Spay/Neuter of Dogs and Cats and supports veterinarians in using their best professional judgement based on the current scientific literature in deciding at what age gonadectomy should be performed on individual animals.

This consensus document represents a clear and evidence-based position that promotes individual animal health and welfare, contributes to effective population control, and can be clearly communicated to clients. The addition of this information to AVMA resources on gonadectomy more clearly acknowledges species differences and provides  useful guidance to companion animal practitioners as they advocate for the health and welfare of their feline patients.”

Read the AVMA’s Letter of Support
See OTHER Letters of Support

These major national veterinary organizations endorse Feline Fix by Five:

State Veterinary Medical Associations endorse Feline Fix by Five

Following the lead of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the American Animal Hospital Association, and the American Association of Feline Practitioners, state veterinary medical associations in Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Washington have formally endorsed the best practice of spaying or neutering cats before five months of age.

“When state veterinary associations embrace and endorse the recommended best practice of spaying and neutering cats by five months of age, it amplifies our message; that the benefits of ‘fixing by five months’ are numerous and impactful to the health and welfare of cats, and to the problem of overpopulation in communities across the country and around the world.” –Esther Mechler, Program Director of Feline Fix by Five & Founder of United Spay Alliance

These non-veterinary organizations endorse Feline Fix by Five:

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In addition to completing this form to indicate your endorsement, we invite you to submit a letter of support on letterhead. This official letter will be valuable for our records and may be used to promote Feline Fix by Five and highlight the trusted voices supporting this cause. If you’d like to provide a letter, you can upload it here or email it to info@unitedspayalliance.org.

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