RSPCA reveals the 'dark side' of unneutered cats

This World Spay Day (25 February) the RSPCA are raising awareness of the urgent cat crisis. They are joining other cat and vet organisations in highlighting the need to neuter cats in order to tackle the cat overpopulation crisis.

70% of owners say that their pet's litter wasn't planned. There are around 800,000 unneutered cats in the UK and each cat is capable of having on average 1.4 litters a year, resulting in an overpopulation crisis in the UK. Unplanned litters can result in unwanted cats and kittens coming into the care of charities.

The RSPCA rescues more cats than any other animal. Carrie Stones, the RSPCA’s Cat Neutering and Welfare Project Manager, said:

“As a charity, we often see the dark side of the cat overpopulation crisis, from unwanted litters of kittens being abandoned by the roadside to elderly cats waiting in our care because there are no homes ready to adopt them. World Spay Day provides an excellent opportunity for charities to come together and highlights the importance of spaying and snipping, which has so many health and welfare benefits for cats.

“An unneutered female could have more than 180 kittens in her lifetime and research shows that many of these cats will be given to friends, family and neighbours who are likely to repeat the same behaviours and not neuter their cats before they can become pregnant, therefore creating a cycle of young cats having kittens themselves.”

All over England, Wales and Scotland, there are schemes available to support the public to neuter cats and other companion animals. The Cat Population Control Group (CPCG) in partnership with national charities are asking you to take that step to neuter and to help us prevent illness, suffering and abandonment.

The CPCG believes neutering a cat from four months old, before they can become pregnant, is the key to tackling the cat crisis and avoid unexpected and unwanted litters of kittens being born.

Jane Clements, Head of Neutering at Cats Protection, said:

“World Spay Day is a great opportunity to realise the importance of protecting pet cats by getting them neutered without further delay. You can neuter your pet from four months of age which will help to prevent the onset of some cancers and other diseases. The PDSA estimates that 92% of owned cats are neutered so on World Spay Day, make sure your cat is one of them.”

Neutering kittens can prevent certain cancers in males and females, reduces their instinct to urine spray and fight other cats, reduce roaming and reducing chances of contracting infections and diseases.