Fix by Five

Shelters across the country are full, yet most people don’t know the best time to spay/neuter their cat – or that kittens can have more kittens! This leads to thousands of unwanted litters each year. The Feline Fix by Five campaign, a program of the United Spay Alliance, is working to change this – and we need your help.

This page is designed to support Indiana veterinary teams with the tools, research, and messaging needed to make “Fix by Five” an easy, consistent part of kitten care conversations.

Why “by Five” Matters:

At Pet Friendly Services of Indiana, we focus on preventing suffering before it starts. For cats, timing is everything.

Medical

Cats spayed before their first heat have a dramatically reduced risk of mammary cancer (often cited as 91% lower).
Early spay eliminates the risk of pyometra later

Behavior + keeping cats in homes
Spay/neuter can reduce roaming, territorial marking, strong urine odor, aggression, and heat-related vocalizing—behaviors that often lead to surrender.

Animal Shelters & Community Cat Programs
Fix by Five is designed to prevent first litters, reduce shelter intake, and help communities get ahead of the cycle of kitten season

What we’re asking Indiana veterinary teams to do:

Educate Your Clients (and Make it Simple)
Sample Script: “Because kittens can reach sexual maturity earlier than you expect, we recommend scheduling spay/neuter before five months. It helps prevent accidental litters and has important health benefits. Let’s pick a date today so you don’t have to worry about timing later.”
Spread the Word Online and In Your Practice
Use the Media Kit to access Fix by Five assets for digital sharing and display in your practice.

FAQ

Why before five months?

Kittens can become pregnant as early as four months. Early procedures are often faster with a quicker recovery.

Is early spay/neuter safe?

Fix by Five is endorsed by leading veterinary organizations, including the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Indiana Veterinary Medical Association, to name a few.

What’s the biggest benefit to clients?

Clarity. “Fix By Five months” is a simple, memorable timeline that helps owners plan ahead and avoid accidental litters.

Studies & Research

Below are evidence-based research studies that veterinarians and clinic staff can reference to understand the long-term health outcomes and safety of early-age spay/neuter in cats.