Population control for cats is very important, as felines are such prolific breeders. Cats protection advocates neutering as the most effective way of reducing the vast numbers of stray and unwanted cats and kittens in the UK, and predict that if a policy of neutering is not taken seriously there could be as many as 7 million stray cats in the UK by the year 2010.  Ensuring our pets do not breed is an opportunity for every cat owner to help reduce the stray cat problem. It is the most important thing you can do and you can be proud that you have helped prevent future suffering

Contact us if you are on a low income for details of our neutering scheme, or book an appointment at your vets to have your cat neutered

People are sometimes reluctant to have their cat neutered, thinking it is unnatural or unkind, but read on to find out why neutered cats are happier, healthier, and make better pets

                             
The facts

An unneutered female can start to breed at 6 months and have up to three litters   
     per year, in just 5 years she can be responsible for 20,000 descendants

It costs more to feed a pregnant cat and her kittens than it does to have her neutered

Most kittens do not find good homes; many of them inevitably become homeless
     with a with a life that offers only misery, hunger and disease

An unneutered tom is more likely to be at risk from fight injuries and road traffic
     accidents

Neutering decreases the risk of acquiring feline leukaemia virus FeLV, feline
     immunodeficiency virus FIV. Both of these diseases can be transmitted through
     fighting and to females during mating via saliva

An uncastrated tom marks his territory by spraying strong smelling urine. He will do
     this inside the house leaving an unpleasant smell

Some common questions                               

It is now recognised that it is an old wives tale that a female cat should have one litter before neutering. A cat only recognises a kitten when it squeals at her the first time she gives birth. The first experience provides the memory, so it would seem kinder to spay before the first pregnancy

A neutered cat is happier, healthier and more affectionate. A tom’s behaviour will most obviously change because he will be less inclined to roam and fight, he should refrain from spraying about the home, as he will be less territorial

A cat can be neutered at any time in its life; however, to remove the risk of any unwanted pregnancies it should be done at the earliest possible age. Both male and female cats can be neutered at 6 months old