Cats can be spayed or neutered ("fixed") as early as 6 to 8 weeks of age, especially in shelter settings where early sterilization helps control overpopulation and is safe for healthy kittens

. However, the most commonly recommended age for owned cats is around 4 to 5 months old, just before they reach puberty

. This timing helps prevent early pregnancies, reduces certain health risks like reproductive cancers, and curbs undesirable behaviors such as spraying and roaming in males

. While some veterinarians prefer to wait until cats are older (up to 6 months or even 1 year in some cases), current evidence supports spaying or neutering before 5 months of age as optimal for health, behavior, and population control

. The procedure can be safely performed at any age if the cat is healthy, even in adult or senior cats

. In summary:

• Earliest safe age: 6–8 weeks (common in shelters)
• Typical recommended age for owned cats: 4–5 months (before puberty)
• Can be done later if needed, but earlier is generally better to prevent unwanted litters and health issues

Always consult your veterinarian to determine the best timing for your specific cat.