Neutering Policy

What is our neutering policy?
Here at Filey Cat Rescue, we pride ourselves on neutering our cats as a matter of policy. Any cats and kittens that arrive at Filey Cat Rescue who are yet to be neutered receive this treatment, paid by the charity, unless there is an additional medical reason why this procedure cannot be carried out. As we are guided by medical advice, we ensure that all kittens are at least 2kg or 5-6 months old before being neutered.

How do we avoid any 'accidents' before neutering is carried out?
The well-being of all our cats is of the upmost importance to us, therefore when un-neutered cats and kittens arrive at Little Heroes Sanctuary, we ensure there isn’t an opportunity for any breeding to take place. All adult cats that are un-neutered are kept in separate, bespoke lodgings to avoid any unplanned pregnancies; ensuring the welfare of all of our cats.As kittens can become fertile between the ages of 4-6 months, we ensure that males and female are separated before this point.

Why do you have pregnant cats at Little Heroes Sanctuary is you have a neutering policy?
Any cats that we have within our care that are pregnant arrive on site in this condition; as an organisation, we allow our expectant mums to give birth within the safety of the sanctuary. When both the mothers and the kittens are independent of one another, we then look to find their forever homes for them. Before leaving the sanctuary, all mothers are neutered by a vet when it is deemed medically advisable; we look at the timings of this on a case by case basis in consultation with our partner vets.

Why do you neuter?
There are a huge number of issues that can be caused for both males and females who go un-neutered. Unsurprisingly, one of the main causes is reproduction. Did you know a single un-neutered cat can give birth to up to 18 kittens a year and fall pregnant at just 4 months old (1)? Not only does neutering protect from any unwanted litters, it is also likely to help cats from avoiding further health complications down the line. Unspayed female cats frequently suffer from cancers developing in their reproductive organs, by having this procedure the risk is eliminated.

There is also a great deal of research which shows that neutered cats are much more likely to exhibit calmer behaviour, both with humans and their own kind. Research from the RSPCA showed that cats who were neutered (both male and female) presented with a much lower percentage of limb fractures most likely caused by fighting with others (2). Studies have also shown that neutering reduces the probability of cats being run over as non-neutered cats have a tendency to roam further (2).

(1) Roberts, M. (2021). Cats report 2021: Cats report. Cats Protection. Retrieved June 28, 2022, from https://www.cats.org.uk/media/10005/cats-2021-full-report.pdf(2)Smith, N. (2011). Early neutering of cats: The risk factors and benefits. The Veterinary Nurse, 2(3), 121–126. https://doi.org/10.12968/vetn.2011.2.3.121