Why Neuter Cats?

Each year the charity neuters around 100,000 cats nationally but, because felines are prolific breeders, it is simply not enough. Neutering is the most effective way of reducing the number of unwanted cats and kittens. in 2005 the local branch dealt with almost 900 unwanted felines and this campaign aims to reduce this amount of unwanted cats and kittens.

Neutering makes sense for many reasons. A neutered cat makes a better family pet as it is less likely to wander, less likely to spray and less likely to fight with other cats. Neutering can also quite literally save a cat's life. Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) and Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV) are life-threatening diseases for cats. Cats that fight and are reproductively active are more at risk of contracting either of these diseases. However, these risks are considerably lowered when a cat has been neutered.

As a charity committed to a non-euthanasia policy (except on veterinary advice), volunteers will work hard to try and find loving homes for every feline that comes into Cats Protection's care. But despite the relatively widespread availability of low-cost neutering schemes for pets around the UK, it can be frustrating when some cat owners act irresponsibly and without their pet's best interest at heart.

"People are sometimes reluctant to have their cat neutered thinking that it's unmanly or that it's kinder to let a female cat have one litter of kittens," said Frank Co-ordinator of the local branch. "But neutering offers a cat, and its owner, many benefits and is by far the best thing to do. Neutered cats are safer, happier and healthier and make better pets," he added.

Population control for cats is very important as felines are prolific breeders. A conservative estimate is that one unneutered female cat can produce up to 18 kittens a year, or 20,000 descendants over five years - that's a lot of good homes to find for any animal welfare charity.

Encouraging the neutering of all cats and kittens not required for breeding is one of Cats Protection's main aims. Over 5% of all UK domestic cats have been neutered with the help of the charity. Cat owners who wish to contact the Charity regarding neutering should call the neutering advice line and talk to Paula on (01202) 267362.

What's Involved?

Both male and female cats can be neutered from 6 months onward.

In the case of a male cat it is normally a one trip simple operation. In the case of female cats a second trip is required to remove the stitches.

What if I cannot afford it?

Cats Protection sometimes offer financial help in the form of vouchers towards the neutering costs. Contact the number below to see if we currently have such a campaign in operation.

For further information on neutering please contact Paula on (01202) 267362.