Home » Posts » #FortheLoveofPets – Veterinarians encourage pet owners to spay, neuter cats

#FortheLoveofPets – Veterinarians encourage pet owners to spay, neuter cats

by Barbados Today
3 min read
A+A-
Reset

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the author(s) do not represent the official position of Barbados TODAY.

Barbados is overpopulated with thousands upon thousands of unwanted feral cats. These cats struggle to survive, are hungry, often sick or injured. Feral cats are a problem Island-side, and we trap, neuter and release as many as possible. Animal Humane organisations accept T/N/R as the best method to control the over-breeding of feral felines and is preferable to Pest Control Company policies of extermination. Normally only the young inquisitive cats are caught whilst the older and wiser Toms and Queens continue to breed. Veterinarians work with tattooing the ears of females for easy recognition.

Why spay your female cat

Because of the over-population of unwanted feral cats in Barbados.

If you let your cat have a litter and manage to find homes for her kittens, you will use up homes that a litter of kittens sitting in a rescue centre could have had. They may end up being destroyed.

Many female cats in season become lost when they are chased by numerous male cats. They often become disorientated and cannot find their way home. Invariably they become pregnant and have kittens on the streets.

This is how colonies of feral cats are formed. These cats struggle to survive, hungry, often sick or injured.

So many un-neutered male cats carry the F.I.V. virus that female cats are at risk if they are bitten during mating. Feline sex can be very violent, particularly when several males are fighting over one female.

F.I.V. and leukaemia virus can be passed to female cats under these circumstances.

A female can come into season and mate with an un-neutered male cat up to three times a year. She can give birth to a litter of up to six kittens each time. At six months old, the kittens will also begin to breed. Some may end up homeless and breed on the streets forming feral colonies in towns and cities.

Why neuter your male cat

Because of the over-population of unwanted feral cats in Barbados.

When mature, your un-neutered male cat will begin to roam further a field in his search for female cats. As he travels further, he will be at risk when crossing busy roads and from fight injuries acquired during territorial battles with other un-neutered male cats. Many male cats roam just a bit too far and cannot find their way home.

Un-neutered male cats are very territorial and aggressive towards other cats. They will be inflicting terrible injuries on other cats, neutered or not!  Fighting un-neutered male cats are most at risk of contracting F.I.V. The virus is transmitted between cats through deep bites incurred during fights. F.I.V. is widespread amongst unneutered male cats and can eventually develop into a full-blown disease.

Un-neutered male cats spray very strong, foul-smelling urine to mark their territory. They may spray in and around your home or your neighbour’s homes. Neutering prevents this.

When Should I Neuter my Cat?

Cats should be neutered at 5 – 6 months. There is absolutely NO benefit to your cat breeding or having a litter.

Source: The Ark Animal Welfare Society Barbados

You may also like

About Us

Barbados Today logos white-14

The (Barbados) Today Inc. is a privately owned, dynamic and innovative Media Production Company.

Useful Links

Get Our News

Newsletter

Subscribe my Newsletter for new blog posts, tips & new photos. Let's stay updated!

Barbados Today logos white-14

The (Barbados) Today Inc. is a privately owned, dynamic and innovative Media Production Company.

BT Lifestyle

Newsletter

Subscribe my Newsletter for new blog posts, tips & new photos. Let's stay updated!

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Accept Privacy Policy

-
00:00
00:00
Update Required Flash plugin
-
00:00
00:00