NZ Moggies Need De-sexing In The City

NZ moggies need de-sexing in the city and care over holidays

Cat owners need to de-sex their pets to reduce so many unwanted kittens over the holiday period, leading pet authority national pet store Animates said today.

Cats are New Zealand’s most favourite pet, Animates spokeswoman Kerin Hopkinson said today.

``In fact we love our cats so much that we are statistically one of the world’s highest cat owning countries. We conservatively estimate there are up to 1.5 million domestic cats in this country and more than half the owners having more than one cat. Cats out-number dogs about two to one.

``Along with animal protection groups, we are concerned about unwanted, lost or abandoned cats and kittens during holiday periods. We appeal to all pet owners to make adequate arrangements for their pets while they are away.’’

Hopkinson said with summer comes another problem – kittens and it is not unusual for a cat to produce up to three litters during this time of the year.

Every year SPCAs throughout the country are inundated with unwanted kittens and always receive more than can be re-homed.

``People can help make a difference by being a responsible owner and have their cats de-sexed to minimise the thousands of unwanted kittens born each year

``Theoretically a female cat can have upwards of 300 kittens in a lifetime. de-sexed is essential in order to control the cat population. de-sexed should occur before puberty. ‘’

She said Animates sold all of its kittens either de-sexed or with a de sexing voucher. Breeders will often get a new owner to sign an agreement ensuring that their purebred kittens are de sexed before reaching maturity.

Cats have a great life and exhibit a certain amount of independence that gives them a mysterious quality. They can spend 18 out of every 24 hours sleeping and have “voices” that owners can often detect the meaning of.

These can vary between conversational, calling sounds and sounds of excitement.
Under the Animal Welfare Act 1999, it is the legal responsibility of all animal owners to ensure that the physical, health and behavioural needs of their cat(s) are met and that they receive high standards of care.

Ownership of any pet is a lifelong responsibility. Animates presently has limited edition cat bowls for sale by designers: Trelise Cooper, Cybil and Liz Mitchell. Every $10 from each bowl will benefit cat charities throughout New Zealand, so far over $7000 has been raised.

The United States has 81.7 million cats compared with 72 million dogs. Around two-thirds of American pet owners let their dog or cat sleep on the bed with them and buy holiday gifts for their furry companions, a recent American Pet Product Manufacturers' Association survey.

Sixty-nine percent of those surveyed said they let their pets sleep in the bed with them, while 65 percent said they give holiday gifts to their furry family member.

Wellington vet Set Butler said certain medicines for humans are often used for cats, both prescription and non-prescription drugs.

``However, certain common human drugs like paracetamol are deadly to cats, so don't give them any kind of medication unless recommended by a vet.’’

Butler recommended owners to de-sex their cats because the SPCA had to deal with unwanted cats and many were euthanised because of the over population levels.

To reduce the number of unwanted and feral (wild) cats, Greater Wellington Regional Council has given financial support to de-sexing cats in the Wairarapa.

It is an offence, punishable by law, to abandon a cat or kittens.

ENDS

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