“While we are very happy that these kittens are being brought in to us and not being handed to pet shops – because once they are homed from the SPCA they will be sterilised, vaccinated, dewormed and receive a form of identification – prevention is always better than cure,” said Maggie Mudd from the Boksburg SPCA.
“Preventing unwanted pregnancies is always the way to go and the only sure proof way of doing this is to sterilise your pet cat/s.”
Cats are notoriously good at falling pregnant, but it is not the cat’s fault if she keeps on having litters of kittens.
“It is the owner’s fault for not taking responsibility in ensuring that she is sterilised,” said Maggie.
“We recently had a gentleman drop off his female cat with us as he was angry that she ‘kept having kittens’ – as if she had a choice.”
It is not only female cats that should be sterilised, but male cats as well.
Sterilising (or neutering) a male cat (tom) will stop him from being able to impregnate female cats (queens). And if it is done while he is young enough, it will help prevent him from wandering and getting into fights with other tomcats over territory.
This in turn will help put a halt to any expensive vet bills for any fighting-related injuries.
Sterilisation is the only way to prevent future cruelty and it is the only way to put a halt to the high number of kittens that are born at this time of the year and throughout the rest of the year.
Be a responsible cat owner and have your cat/kitten sterilised.
Female kittens can be safely done at eight weeks and male kittens from 12 weeks.
“If owners are unable to afford to have their cat/kitten sterilised at a private vet, the Boksburg SPCA may be able to assist,” she said.
Owners will be requested to complete an almoning form, from which it will be determined if they are able to assist with a reduced rate.
The Boksburg SPCA asks owners of cats to please be responsible and not to be like the owner who felt that his cat was purposely falling pregnant just to annoy him.
Take responsibility and prevent unwanted litters from being born – your pet cat is relying on you.
