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Cat owners urged to neuter their pets, amid 'cat crisis'
Zodiac and her kittens were rescued by RSPCA after being found abandoned.
The appeal comes following an increase in cats at rescue centres.

A group of charities is calling for cat owners to neuter their pets, as rescue shelters experience a ‘cat crisis’.

The calls, made on World Spay Day (27 February), respond to an unprecedented increase in cats being brought into the care of rescue centres.

The appeal has been made by the Cat-Kind group, which includes charities such as RSPCA, Cats Protection, PDSA and Battersea. The charities have joined forces to encourage the public to neuter their cats, in an effort to tackle the overpopulation crisis.

Animal rescue charity RSPCA has reported that its centres are completely full, leading it to spend funds on private boarding facilities. It reported 260 cats stuck in private boarding facilities in January, and 168 cats in February.

In January alone, RSPCA paid £12,804 each week to keep the cats fed and housed in private boarding facilities across England and Wales.

Furthermore Cats Protection reported 3,350 cats in its care, which is a five per cent increase in the past year. This follows a 47 per cent year-on-year increase of kittens being born in its care in 2023.

RSPCA’s cat welfare experts say that it doesn't usually see these kind of numbers until ‘kitten season’, during the summer months, which has led to concerns about future population numbers.

While RSPCA says it has neutered 46,000 cats in the past ten years, statistics from Cats Protection and PDSA found that there are still 1.4 million unneutered owned cats.

A female cat is capable of giving birth to 18 kittens per year. Cats Protection therefore encourages cat owners to neuter their cats by the time they are four months old, before they are able to become pregnant.

Sarah Elliott, central veterinary officer for Cats Protection, said: “We’d urge owners to help by ensuring their cat is neutered by four months of age. Some animal welfare charities like Cats Protection offer financial support towards the cost of this for owners on a low income.

“Not only does neutering help reduce the unwanted cat population, it also means cats lead healthier, happier lives. This is because neutered cats are less likely to roam far from home or get into fights with other cats, both of which can increase their risk of injury or picking up illnesses.”

Image © Shutterstock

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Central Qualifications to attend BVNA Congress

News Story 1
 Central Qualifications (CQ) is to host a stand at this year's BVNA Congress. The awarding body will be at Stand C9 from 11-13 October.

It will discuss changes to the qualifications strategy and some new qualifications, including a top-up course for equine veterinary care, so qualified veterinary nurses can broaden their skills.

Rachael Shepherd, education consultant at CQ, said: "We are looking forward to attending BVNA Congress this year. There are exciting times ahead, with a revamp to the VN qualifications and assessment strategy and the introduction of some new qualifications." 

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News Shorts
Northern Ireland chief vet warns of bluetongue risk

Following the detection of bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) in England, Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer has urged farmers to remain vigilant and source animals responsibly.

Brian Dooher said: "This confirmation in England is a stark reminder of the threat bluetongue presents to Northern Ireland.Whilst this finding in Norfolk is disappointing it is not unexpected giving the rising level of disease across several countries in Europe. Bluetongue does not affect human health or food safety, however an incursion to Northern Ireland would have a significant impact on livestock and the rural economy.

"I would like to remind all farmers of the importance of sourcing animals responsibly and ask that they maintain vigilance for signs of the disease reporting any suspicions to DAERA immediately."

Suspected cases of BTV-3 in Northern Ireland should be reported to the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or by contacting the local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.