Unplanned kitten litters a major concern for vets
The only effective way to bring down the number of unwanted cats in the UK is neutering.
The BVA are urging cat owners to have their kittens neutered as new statistics reveal that unplanned litters are a major concern to vets.
Figures released from the BVA's voice of the veterinary profession show that 93 per cent of vets are concerned about cats having unplanned litters. The survey also found that 95 per cent of vets always recommend that owners have their kittens neutered.
Over 140,000 abandoned and unwanted cats are re-homed by Cats Protection every year. Many pet owners are unaware that cats can breed from four months old, meaning they wait too long to have their cat neutered and end up with unwanted litters.
The only effective way to bring down the number of unwanted cats in the UK is neutering. It also prevents cats from suffering medical issues linked to breeding, such as transmission and spread of infections. Furthermore, it can prevent behavioural issues that may arise from poor socialisation.
Commenting on the figures, BVA President John Blackwell says: “Cats and kittens can make great pets. However, I am saddened by the amount of unplanned litters I see on a regular basis during work. Organisations like the Cats Protection work hard to try and re-home all the unwanted cats that come through their doors, but there is only so much they can do.
“We need owners to be more aware of the young age their kitten can become pregnant from and to work with their vet to ensure their pet is neutered on time. The operation is relatively low cost. There are also a lot of organisations that will help with the cost of neutering if owners are unable to afford it.
“For social, health and population control reasons, there is a strong case for neutering earlier and moving away from the more ‘traditional’ age of six months. Our survey reflects how attitudes are changing in the profession.”
The BVA survey also shows that two thirds of vets (66 per cent) advise neutering kittens when they are five months old or younger.
Female vets and those vets who had graduated since 2000 were significantly more likely than average to recommend neutering at four months (34 per cent of female vets; 33 per cent of more recent graduates).
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
