Benefits of desexing your cat

Over the last five years, many impounded cats and kittens have faced the risk of euthanasia due to the low rate of rehoming. Of the thousands of cats impounded each year, only a few are reclaimed by their owners or adopted into new homes. Unfortunately, many end up being euthanized.

Desexing can help reduce the problem. Many responsible pet owners agree that desexing their cats is important.

How Quickly Cats Can Multiply

Cats can breed very quickly. An entire female cat and her mate can produce two litters each year, with about three kittens from each litter surviving. Over four years, these numbers can grow to as many as 2,107 cats from just one pair.

Benefits of Desexing Your Cat

Desexing your cat prevents unwanted litters and offers other benefits, including:

• Reduced wandering: Especially for male cats, which lowers the risk of getting lost.
• Lower risk of disease: Less chance of contracting Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) through fights.
• Fewer health issues: Reduced risk of certain cancers, such as uterine, ovarian, and mammary cancer in females and testicular cancer in males.
• Fewer injuries: Desexed cats fight less, reducing injuries like abscesses or wounds.
• Improved behaviour: Cats are less likely to show aggression toward people or other animals, improving the pet-owner bond.
• Less marking: Reduced spraying and marking inside and around the house.

Help with Desexing Costs

If desexing costs are a concern, financial assistance may be available through certain programs. Contact your local council or animal welfare organisations for more information.

Need to know more...

For further information visit the National Desexing Network online or telephone 1300 368 992.