Early age desexing
Stop unwanted litters, save lives
Did you know?
Female cats can get pregnant as early as 4 months old. A single cat can have as many as 3 litters in one year, resulting in many unwanted kittens. Sadly, there just aren't enough loving homes for all these cats and many end up in shelters or worse.
Why early age desexing is the answer
- Prevents unwanted litters: Many shelters and pounds have too many unwanted cats that they cannot rehome. Early age desexing (desexing cats before 4 months of age) is the most effective way to prevent this.
- Supports your cat’s health: Early age desexing reduces the risk of serious health problems like cancer in both males and females and uterine infections.
- Keeps your cat safe: Desexed cats are less likely to roam, get lost and fight. This reduces injuries and the spread of disease.
- Improves your cat’s behaviour: Desexing reduces aggressive behaviours towards other pets and unpleasant behaviour like spraying and yowling during mating season.
- Safe procedure: Desexing is a routine surgery that vets can perform on cats as young as 2 to 3 months old. Kittens require less anaesthesia, recover quickly and face no greater post-operative risks than older cats.
- Saves you money: All councils offer discounts on registration fees for desexed cats.
Benefits for your community
- Reduces cat overpopulation: Early age desexing helps control the number of unwanted cats, leading to fewer strays in our towns and suburbs and fewer cats in shelters.
- Saves lives: Sadly, thousands of homeless cats are euthanised each year. Early age desexing helps minimise this outcome.
Make it happen
Speak to your vet about early age desexing or visit a shelter that provides this service.
Financial assistance
Concession card holders may be eligible for help with desexing costs. Ask your local council about what discounts may be available.
The National Desexing Network (NDN) partners with some local councils to provide low-cost desexing. The NDN can also help you find a vet with discounted desexing for eligible concession card holders.
Desexing your cat is a responsible decision that benefits both your pet and your community.
Be part of the solution – choose early age desexing.
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