WILTSHIRE RSPCA is offering free cat neutering throughout March and April in the Melksham area.
This year’s World Spay Day (now in its 23rd year) is recognised by animal charities in nearly 70 countries worldwide.
In the UK the RSPCA will join forces with several other well-known names to promote spaying/neutering programmes in order to improve the health and welfare of many hundreds of cats. Recent research has shown that 68% of litters of kittens in the UK are unplanned and that some of these litters are born to cats who are just four months old.
“Cats can get pregnant while they are still kittens, which is why we advise that cats are spayed when they are four months old, before they are free to venture outdoors unsupervised,” said Deborah Gogarty, RSPCA Wiltshire mid-branch chairman.
“Spaying, which is also known as neutering, fixing or ‘being done’ can prevent this and can also protect your moggy from developing potentially deadly diseases of the ovaries and uterus. Many people believe that cats should be allowed to have a litter of kittens before being spayed, but this simply isn’t true – the sooner a cat has been spayed, vaccinated and microchipped, the sooner she can do all the things cats enjoy doing, like exploring the outside world.
“Crucially it also gives you as the owner peace of mind that you have done everything you can to ensure the welfare of your pet.”
Male cats also benefit from being neutered. It makes them less likely to roam and fight, thereby reducing the risk of injury, infected wounds and contracting diseases, including FIV – the feline equivalent of HIV.
The offer of free neutering runs until 30th April 2017 and is open to people living in the Melksham, Devizes, Westbury and Warminster areas. To find out more or apply for free neutering, go to the RSPCA website at www.rspca.org.uk/local/ wiltshire-mid-branch/ or email rspcawiltsmid@gm ail.com.
