A NEW scheme to encourage cat owners across Wales to get their pets neutered and microchipped has been launched. The Wales Cat Neutering and Microchipping Project is being run in partnership by RSPCA Cymru and Cats Protection and aims to encourage cat owners to neuter and microchip their pets. RSPCA Cymru’s National Welfare Manager, Coralie Farren, said: “Neutering cats is so important as it can help prevent illnesses and reduce the number of unwanted kittens. “Cats are able to start breeding from as young as four months-old and sometimes mate with their brothers and sisters.
“Spaying or snipping your cat is a straightforward procedure which prevents unwanted pregnancies in female cats and can help reduce fighting and roaming of male cats. “Repeated breeding and fighting is unhealthy for cats and can increase the risk of disease. “While microchipping is really important if a cat becomes lost or injured.” Neutering Manager for Cat’s Protection, Jane Clements, said: “Neutering is such an important decision, which cat owners sometimes fail to make before their female cat has an unexpected litter of kittens! “This is because many people don’t realise that kittens can reach puberty at four months of age. Female cats do not need to have a litter before they are spayed, and males can also be snipped at four months old.
“A spay or a snip has health benefits, can prevent injuries from roaming or fighting and generally allows cats to enjoy playing outside without the risk of getting pregnant or being hit by a car in the quest to find a mate.” More than 100 vets across Wales have signed up to the scheme, which is available to cat owners who are in receipt of benefits or on a low income in Wales. For their cat to be neutered and microchipped the owner will only have to pay £5 – which is a fraction of the cost the procedures would usually be.
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