Feline early neutering message not sinking in
The message to neuter cats early is not getting across.
CAT owners are not getting the message when it comes to early neutering of their pets a Cats Protection survey has revealed.
Only four per cent of owners neutered their cat at or before the charity's recommended four-month target – when cats reach sexual maturity – the survey revealed. Cat charities have once again been inundated with thousands of unwanted kittens that are the result of unplanned breeding.
While a reluctance to neuter early was a problem across Britain, the survey found the ITV Yorkshire and ITV Central areas to be the least likely to neuter at the recommended age, with just one per cent of cats neutered at or before four months of age in these areas.
"Getting the neutering message across is proving to be a very tough hurdle for cat welfare because our research shows the vast majority of people are still not neutering their cats early enough to avoid unwanted litters of kittens," explained Jane Clements, Cats Protection’s neutering manager.
“Without neutering, the UK’s cat population quickly gets out of control and each summer we are overwhelmed with kittens in need of homes so it is vital people ensure their cats are neutered at the correct age to prevent unwanted litters.”
Veterinary practices are urged to back the campaign to educate owners about early neutering by signing up to a national register of practices that carry out neutering at four months of age or earlier. Further information can be found at www.cats.org.uk/early-neutering
The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) is inviting applications from veterinary students to attend a one-week extramural studies (EMS) placement in July 2026.
