How Cats Protection's Wolverhampton branch helps with neutering
08 March 2019
For individuals
We can help with the neutering of owned cats where an owner meets our eligibility criteria. In these cases, we ask that the request for assistance comes directly from the owner or from a legitimate person acting on their behalf. Unfortunately, to comply with data protection law, we are not able to accept requests from other charities or rescues on behalf of members of the public.
We can also assist with the neutering of stray and feral cats, where exhaustive efforts have been made to ensure that the cats do not have an owner. In these cases, requests can be made by members of the public, from landowners or official organisations, such as councils. We always provide advice on after care and this includes keeping cats in or providing them with suitable shelter. Once neutered, these cats can either come into our care to be re-homed, be added to our waiting list to come into care when a foster space is available, be added to a direct homing scheme (not all branches are able to operate this), or returned to site. If a cat is going into the care of another charity or independent rescue, we would reasonably expect them to cover the cost of neutering and any other treatment that the cat required.
If you live in a WV postcode area and would like to request neutering support for an owned or confirmed stray/feral cat, or would like more information about what’s available to you, call 01902 651173.
Charities and independent rescues
We are not able to use donations that have been given to us to support other charities or independent rescues. Cats Protection receives no government funding - all of our income comes from voluntary donations and from our own fundraising efforts. Some people choose to give a donation to Cats Protection, in the same was as others choose to give a donation to other charities and independent rescues. Where someone is kind enough to give us a donation, we have a duty to use that donation in a way that meets our aims and objectives.
In particular, we are not able to fund any neutering costs or treatment for cats where the cat is then going into the care of another rescue. Most reputable charities and independent rescues do charge a rehoming fee (as does Cats Protection) and, whilst this doesn’t generally cover the veterinary costs for a cat whilst in care, it does provide a substantial contribution towards expenditures. Each year, Cats Protection uses up all funding allocated to our branches, national neutering campaigns and neutering initiatives and, as such, do not have the available budget to support the numerous charities and independent rescues that approach us weekly for funding.
Further information
We are not able to provide an emergency service - sick, injured or animals being treated cruelly should be reported to the RSPCA, or taken to a local vet who may be able to obtain authorisation for treatment from the RSPCA.
Under the Animal Welfare Act it is every owner's legal obligation to provide their pet with veterinary care when necessary. Unfortunately we are not able to assist with veterinary costs for owned cats. There are several charities whose objectives are to run free or reduced rate clinics or to help with vets' fees - including PDSA, RSPCA, Blue Cross and some local charities. It may also be worth discussing a part payment scheme with your vet.
Cats Protection is a registered charity (number 203644) and complies with all legislation and guidance from the Charity Commission and other relevant bodies. Not all rescues are registered charities and may not comply in the same way.
Our branch is run entirely by volunteers, many of whom have full-time jobs, and who volunteer their time and energy because they support the aims of Cats Protection and want to help local cats.