Story: Graham Jones
Love cats or hate them, it is not in anyone’s interest for our neighbourhood to be overrun by unwanted strays.
The leading charities all agree that neutering both pet and feral cats is the most effective way to control the cat population. For those on low incomes, help is available to pay for neutering.
Male and female cats reach sexual maturity as young as five or six months old. The Cats Protection League (CPL) recommends neutering from 4 months.
A female cat can produce two or three litters a year. With an average litter size of 4-6 kittens, it’s easy to see how numbers can get out of control. Hallam CPL receives up to 40 phone calls a day from members of the public looking to rehome unwanted cats or kittens.
Pet cats
Pet cats benefit from neutering, by preventing disease and unwanted kittens. Unneutered pets can wander away from home in search of a mate. These cats become free roaming strays or form feral groups. Many cat owners are not aware that unneutered, related cats will mate with each other.
Senior Veterinary Surgeon at the PDSA, Sean Wensley, explains:
“Thousands of much-loved family pets are at risk every year from potentially life-threatening conditions, simply because they haven’t been neutered. Neutering is a vital part of responsible pet care and is particularly important in cats, dogs and rabbits.”
Feral cats
Feral cats have been born wild or have lived away from humans so long they can no longer live as pets. They are the same species as our pets and are equally protected in law.
An uncontrolled feral colony will grow quickly. If the cats are removed, a new colony will soon move in. A controlled, healthy and manageable colony will deter other ferals from moving in and will keep vermin levels down.
Good news
At Springfield Vets Surgery at Firth Park, people on means-tested benefits, pensioners and students can get their pet cat neutered for free. Other people on low incomes will be considered on a case by case basis.
The CPL may help towards the cost of neutering a feral colony, provided that the cats are returned to their original site. You can apply for financial help and practical assistance.
The PDSA can also offer discounted cat and dog neutering for pet owners who receive Housing Benefit or Council Tax Support. The RSPCA might also be able to help with vets’ fees for neutering and vaccination too.
All of the charities mentioned welcome donations to help them in their animal welfare work. A contribution, however small, is always welcome.
Further Information
Cats Protection League – 0114 327 0348 – http://www.catsprotectionshop.com
Springfield Veterinary Group Practice, 1 Stubbin Lane, Firth Park 0114 242 2815 – Leanne Rason RVN (Head Nurse)
PDSA Pets Aid Hospital, 14 Newhall Rd 0114 243 3232, http://www.pdsa.org.uk
RSPCA Sheffield Animal Centre, 2 Stadium Way, Attercliffe 0114 289 8050 http://rspcasheffield.homeip.net
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