If you’re the proud parent of a new kitten, you may be wondering if, and when, you should have your buddy fixed. Well, this news is hot off the press.

In early 2016, a task force of veterinarians, researchers and other experts in feline medicine gathered to determine when cats should be spayed, in the case of females, or neutered, when referring to males. Their recommendations were announced in July of this year.

The evidence shows that along with avoiding pregnancy and reproductive problems, cats fixed before their first heat are less likely to develop breast cancer and certain behavioral problems.

The task force recommended that cats be spayed or neutered by 5 months of age, which happens to fall at the end of the kitten vaccination series. Talk to your veterinarian about the details. You’ll be doing your kitty a favor.