Neutering and how we can help
We encourage the neutering of all cats and kittens. A neutered cat is a healthier cat.
Why Neuter?
Neutering has many health benefits as well as helping to
reduce the number of unwanted cats in the UK.
Neutered female cats are:
- unable to get pregnant and have unwanted litters of kittens
- less likely to contract diseases such as FIV
- unable to develop mammary cancer
Neutered males are:
- less likely to roam
- less likely to fight
- less likely to contract diseases such as FIV
- less likely to spray
Neutering facts:
There are many myths that circulate about neutering. To set the record straight, here are the facts:
- There are around 2.5 milion stray cats living in the UK.
- One un-neutered female cat can be responsible for 20,000 descendents in just five years.
- Cats can become sexually active from just four months old.
- It is not beneficial for a cat to have ‘just one litter’ before being spayed.
- Gestation in cats (the length of pregnancy) is only nine weeks, and a female cat can come into season again just six weeks after giving birth.
- Pregnancy and motherhood are physically very demanding for a cat – repeated pregnancies take their toll.
- Cats will breed with their brothers and sisters.
- A cat can have up to three litters a year with five or six kittens in each litter. That adds up to 18 caring homes for Cats Protection to find each year, just for one cat’s kittens!
For information on neutering support and for further assistance, please contact our help line on 03000 12 12 12 and press option 2 to go through to the neutering department.