Thread: Does the age of neutering/spaying affect size of Maine Coons?

Hi all,

Not sure if I am posting this in the appropriate forum.
As I read from a Maine Coon book by Carol Himsel Daly & Karen Leigh Davis, intact male cats are more likely to achieve their fullest genetic potential because of sex hormone contributions to development.

Does this mean that the younger you neuter/spay your kitten, it will hinder the growth from being able to reach the full size?

Example 1:
My Rocco was neutered at 7 months as the breeder will not provide me with his pedigree cert. until after the surgery. I noticed that Rocco's growth slowed down since as I keep a daily weight record.

Example 2:
My Merlin was neutered at 15 months old and his weight gain has also slowed down several months since after the surgery.

I have been told by breeders that male MCs often become larger after neutering BUT breeders who neuter their intact males often do so when they choose to retire them after several years of breeding (MCs reach their full size between 3 to 5 years old as written in the MC books I have read).

Any thoughts on this?

Thanks in advance.