Remember, however, that he or she will become a cat after six months perhaps for the next 14 years. The League advocates the neutering of all cats not required for breeding in order to keep down the number of strays. One female cat can, in five years, be responsible for some 20,000 descendants and many of these must inevitably become homeless, with a life that offers only misery, hunger and disease. In the case of the male, a simple routine operation only is involved. The female requires a longer operation which, although routine, usually necessitates a return to the veterinary surgery after seven to ten days for the removal of stitches.
Neutering produces a much more satisfactory and enjoyable pet.
It is not correct that a female cat should be allowed, on humane grounds, to have one litter before neutering. To underline the importance of neutering, the League runs a scheme to help those in dire financial need to have their cats neutered. Application can be made for a voucher either to your local Cats Protection League Branch or to the Headquarters at Horsham. This should be done as soon as the cat has settled in or at 9 to 12 weeks of age in the case of kittens. Booster injections are required every year and need to be budgeted for.