Urgent warning to cat owners amid influx of abandoned kittens
Cats can become pregnant as early as four months old and, if not neutered, may produce up to three litters a year - potentially resulting in hundreds of kittens over their lifetime.This contributes to the overpopulation of surrendered or abandoned cats in shelters and rescue organisations, which are already struggling to stay afloat. Bosses at the animal shelter said it costed about £1,700 to house a mum and a litter of kittens for a three-month stay. On one day in May, a total of 15 cats arrived at the rescue shelter.
In 2024, the rescue centre performed 185 cat neutering operations in their vet suite, which potentially prevented 1,700 unwanted kittens out in the community."It is really tough when abandoned pregnant cats or mums and their kittens are left to fend for themselves in the wild, with no food and at risk from predators," a spokesperson said."Luckily, some of our current rescue cats were rescued by RSPCA inspectors or members of the public who brought them to us or via a local vet."
'Please reach out'
The 2024 RSPCA Kindness Report revealed that 78% of pet owners say the cost of caring for their pets has increased over the past year."Don't get caught out this summer," a rescue centre spokesperson warned. "Please ask your vet about getting your cat neutered as early as possible to avoid unwanted kittens. "If you do have a pregnant cat and can't cope with kittens please reach out to your local vet or animal rescue centres for help."
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