By Luke Voogt
With kitten season beginning, Geelong Animal Welfare Society (GAWS) is urging locals to get their tabbies desexed to prevent an influx of litters.
“As we head towards kitten season, we know that the shelter will be inundated with hundreds of stray kittens needing a home,” GAWS head vet Julia Aspinall said.
“Desexing your cat not only reduces unwanted litters that overwhelm shelters like GAWS, it has many other health benefits.”
These benefits include decreasing aggression, particularly in males, and nuisance behaviour, and reducing the risk of mammary cancer and prostate problems, Dr Aspinall explained.
“Most importantly, it helps your cat lead a long and healthy life.”
Chilled but affectionate kitten Hadley took a break from GAWS life to promote the cause by appearing in the Independent this week.
“Just like Hadley, every cat and kitten adopted from GAWS is microchipped, desexed, flea and worm treated and vaccinated,” Dr Aspinall said.
“This ensures that she will never experience an unwanted litter, lead a long and healthy life and, if ever lost, will have the best chance to return home as quickly as possible because of her microchip.”
Last year 9512 cats and kittens were admitted into RSPCA Victoria’s care across the state.
Kitten season runs from spring through to autumn each year and longer if temperatures stay warm.
Cats can start breeding from as young as 16 weeks and conceive very easily, according to RSCPCA.
Luke Voogt
