21 June 2011

Cats Protection overwhelmed with unwanted cats and kittens

Peterborough Cats Protection is appealing to cat owners to ensure their pets are neutered by taking advantage of its free neutering and microchipping offer after the branch was inundated with unwanted cats and kittens.

In the last few weeks, the branch has been overwhelmed with abandoned or unwanted cats, including a pregnant female dumped on a volunteer’s doorstep and two strays – one heavily pregnant and the other with two kittens.

Three other cats, along with 10 kittens, have been taken from homes where the owner had so many pets they were struggling to cope.

Pam McNicol, branch co-ordinator, said: “At this time of year, we are continually asked to help take in cats with kittens, but with limited spaces we can only do this when others have been adopted.

“Our waiting list is already in excess of 50, and the number of cats which have joined the list in the last few weeks highlights the problems that occur when owners don’t have their pets neutered.

“Some people think they cannot afford to neuter their pet, but help is available from the Snip and Chip initiative run by Cats Protection in conjunction with Wood Green Animal Shelter.

“Since1 May, owners on low incomes or state benefits living in the areas PE1-19 and PE26-29 have been able to have their cat neutered and microchipped free of charge. The offer will continue until funds for 1,000 cats to be neutered have run out.

“The offer is also available for long-term stray cats which people may have been feeding and where extensive efforts have been made to find an owner.

“We really would urge people to take up this offer where they are eligible to do so, as having your pet neutered improves its quality of life and reduces the possibility of kittens which you may not feel able to cope with.”

The branch is holding a homing event this Sunday, 26 June from 2.30pm to 4pm, at St B’s Hall, Main Street, Yaxley, where people can come and meet the cats and kittens that are ready to be homed.

To find out more about the Snip and Chip scheme, call 03000 12 12 12 or visit www.woodgreen.org.uk/snip-and-chip.html

To find out more about Peterborough Cats Protection and the cats we have ready for homing, visit our website www.peterborough.cats.org.uk, find us on Facebook, or call our advice line 0845 371 2750.