Kittens can be spayed or neutered as early as 6 to 8 weeks of age through early or pediatric procedures. However, the standard age for these surgeries is typically around 5 to 6 months old, just before they reach puberty

. Since kittens can start reproducing as early as 4 to 6 months, having them fixed before this age helps prevent accidental pregnancies and reduces the risk of certain health issues. Spaying female cats before their first heat cycle can lower the chances of mammary tumors and uterine infections, while neutering males can reduce behaviors like roaming, fighting, and spraying, and also lowers the risk of testicular and prostate cancers

. These procedures can be safely performed at any age as long as the cat is healthy, even in adult or senior cats

. In summary:

• Early/pediatric spay/neuter: 6–8 weeks old
• Standard spay/neuter: 5–6 months old (before puberty)
• Can be done safely anytime if the cat is healthy

Consulting a veterinarian is recommended to determine the best timing for your kitten based on their health and circumstances