Too many cats?

• Do you own a male cat who needs neutering, or a female needing spaying, and cannot afford to have this done? 

• Do you have friends, relations or neighbours in this situation?

• Do you own, or know of, any cats who have had kittens recently?

• Are you feeding a stray or abandoned cat? 


If your answer to any of these questions is 'yes' Cats Protection may be able to help. All it takes is a quick phone call. Please ring Karen on 01296 738558 (local rate). If there is no answer please leave your name and telephone number on the answer phone, and your call will be returned as quickly as possible.

One of the main aims of Cats Protection is to minimize the risk of unwanted litters of kittens by promoting neutering and spaying of all cats over the age of 6 months. This, in turn, reduces the transmission of FIV. This virus is similar to the AIDS virus in humans, and in most cases proves fatal. It cannot be passed to humans or other animals, but is passed from cat to cat, mainly through unneutered males fighting for territory. A neutered cat is far less likely to roam or fight; thereby greatly reducing its risk of infection, as well as fatal accidents on the road.

Many owners, for some reason, think a female should be allowed to have one litter of kittens before being spayed, and this is most certainly not the case. A female cat, through mating, is at great risk of being infected with FIV, and, as in males, it is usually fatal. Also, every Animal Rescue Centre in the country, for at least 6 months of the year, is inundated with unwanted kittens, all needing new homes. Unwanted kittens are a drain on resources and prevent us from taking in and rehoming stray and unwanted adult cats.

Both male and female cats should ideally be neutered at 6 months, or before, if a female comes into season earlier than 6 months.

If your female cat does 'accidentally' become pregnant we are more than happy to home the kittens and help with the cost of neutering the female, so please ring us. All prospective owners are checked prior to us homing a cat or kitten and we ensure the kittens are neutered at the age of 6 months.

If you have problems with kittens whilst they are still with the mother (whatever age) please ring us immediately. We do have fosterers available who are happy to hand-rear kittens should the need arise (in the case of the mother not being able to feed them or an accident occurring). With very small kittens, who may need handrearing, you need to act very quickly. Please ring us immediately - the kittens will die if not fed with the correct formula or kept at a constant temperature.