Too many cats?

•Do you own a male cat who needs neutering, or a female needing spaying?

• 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' we may be able to help. 

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 (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus). 

FIV is a disease that suppresses the immune system, resulting in the cat needing ongoing medical treatment if it survives. 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. For 8-9 months of the year rescue centres are 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.

It is extremely important that if you are considering owning a kitten or cat that you consider neutering as soon as possible. Both male and female kittens should be neutered between 4-5 months, particularly females to avoid them coming into season and certainly they should be neutered by the time they are 6 months old. 

If you would like to speak to someone at our local branch in relation to neutering; all it takes is a phone call. Please ring Claire Henesy our Neutering Officer on the number below.

If your cat has been mated (even if she is under 6 months of age) she will almost certainly be pregnant. Having kittens at a young age can be dangerous for her, as she won’t be fully grown or developed herself. This often leads to a problematic delivery necessitating veterinary help, which is expensive.

If you think your cat is in the very early stages of pregnancy, or you have male cats calling her, ring the Helpline for advice on the number below.

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.

Telephone Numbers You Will Need:-

For vouchers to help with the cost of neutering - 07790 951287
For general advice regarding neutering, FIV, cats in season or pregnancy - 01296 738558
In an emergency only for advice regarding kittens needing handrearing or weaning - 01367 241078.