New video encourages the early neutering of cats
02 August 2012
Cats Protection has produced ‘A Guide to Early Neutering’; an online video that explains why cats should be neutered at four months of age or younger.
This comprehensive video explains the benefits of neutering cats at this age and why Cats Protection believes it is the most humane and economic solution to the problem of unwanted litters of cats.
Last year Cats Protection spent over £6 million supporting the neutering of over 191,000 owned, stray and feral cats and kittens across the UK – that’s more than one every three minutes. However, the charity is warning that this is not a long-term fix and says the only way to ensure the population is brought under control is for owners to get their cats neutered earlier than the traditionally recommended six months.
Maggie Roberts, Cats Protection’s Director of Veterinary Services explained: “Cats are such prolific breeders that if we didn’t neuter them, we would have a population explosion that would end up with sick, stray and abandoned cats roaming the streets. As a nation of animal lovers, I don’t think anyone would find this acceptable.
However, our research reveals 94 per cent of cat owners don’t release that cats can get pregnant as early as four months of age so we are working with the veterinary profession and the public to encourage cat neutering around four months of age, which is a significant move away from the traditional six months.”
Numerous scientific studies have shown no long-term negative consequences resulting from neutering earlier. In fact there are many benefits including fewer unwanted litters and fewer pregnant cats suffering complications such as mammary tumours or needing Caesarean sections, with early neutering being the norm in other cat-loving countries.
CBeebies presenter Sarah Jane Honeywell, who owns three cats, took part in the video and said: “I felt a bit guilty about getting my cats neutered when they were so small even though my girl cat came into season when she was just over four months old. But now I’ve seen the procedure, and seen how quickly the kittens recover, I would recommend that you get your kittens neutered too.”
The video can be viewed on the Cats Protection website from 1st August (go to
www.cats.org.uk/neutering). It will also be promoted via the Cats Protection Facebook page (facebook.com/catsprotection)
Cats Protection has also set up a register of vets that are helping the charity deliver its early neutering goal. Owners can visit
www.cats.org.uk/what-we-do/neutering/enr to find their nearest veterinary practice that will neuter kittens earlier than six months of age.
To seek advice on neutering or to request financial assistance to get your cat neutered if you are on a limited income, please call Cats Protection’s national Helpline on
03000 12 12 12
~ ends ~
For more information, please contact Cats Protection’s Media Office on
media.office@cats.org.uk or 01825 741 911
Notes to Editors:
1. Cats Protection is the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and helps over 235,000 cats and kittens each year through a national network of 260 volunteer-run branches and 30 adoption centres.
2. Cats Protection’s vision is a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs.
3. Cats Protection’s registered charity number is 203644 (England and Wales) and SC037711 (Scotland). Founded as the Cats Protection League in 1927, the charity adopted the name Cats Protection in 1998. We ask that you use the name Cats Protection when referring to the charity in all published material.