Advice: Neutering your pet
Why neuter?
- Each year there are thousands of unwanted cats and dogs abandoned in London. By allowing your pet to breed you are adding to the misery.
- Your pet will be healthier; vets studies show neutering lessens the chance of your cat or dog contracting illnesses.
- It reduces the risk of your cat catching feline AIDS (FIV). The disease is a major problem in London and your cat could catch it from sex, bites or fighting. Although it cannot be passed to humans there is no vaccination, drugs regime or cure for your cat.
- Male cats are less likely to wander and fight. They no longer ‘spray’ smelly urine to mark territory.
- It often makes your pet calmer and more content so it focuses it’s attention on you not sex.
- In particular, Staffordshire Bull Terriers and other bull breeds are less at risk of being stolen for dog fighting.
What is neutering?
Castrating a male or performing a hysterectomy on a female to stop the animal breeding. The operations are safe and routine and relatively painless so most animals are back to normal straight away.
It is a myth that female dogs or cats should be allowed a litter of kittens; animals do not miss mating or breeding.
What if you cannot afford to neuter your pet?
If you are on benefits, disabled, a pensioner or on low income you may be eligible for the C4 Free Neutering Scheme for Cats which covers Greater London. Go to www.cats.org.uk/c4 or ring 08458 734 782.
Or contact your nearest charity clinic about low-cost neutering or ring 020 8805 6330 for details of free/low-cost neutering for dogs and rabbits in your area.