The importance of sterilising pets

FERAL cats in Richards Bay and surrounding areas are a major problem, but one that is slowly being brought under control thanks to the actions of Project Feral Cat (PFC).

PFC is a non-profit organisation that traps, neuters and releases feral cats, and has to date sterilised 825 cats.

These cats have also been vaccinated against rabies in an attempt to keep this dread disease, of which KZN is in the midst of an outbreak, at bay.

But the onus also falls on pet owners to ensure their pets are sterilised at a young age.

ALSO READ: Richards Bay school sterilises feral cats

In just seven years, one unsterilised female cat and her offspring can produce 420 000 kittens.

One male cat can fertilise more females in one year than a female can have litters in her lifetime.

‘February is the month of love and PFC urges all pet owners to love their pets more and get them sterilised,’ said PFC founder Heilke Ackerman

World Spay Day is on 27 February and all in the animal welfare business urge pet owners to have their animals – both dogs and cats – sterilised.

A sterilised cat is healthier because there is no more risk of ovarian cancer or mammary gland tumours. There are also no more heat cycles, no more unwanted litters and the cat is overall healthier and happier.

Sterilised cats are less likely to wander from their territory, unlikely to mark their territory, less likely to fight and less likely to contract sexually transmitted diseases and various cancers.

According to the National Council of SPCAs, thousands of animals are euthanised annually in animal shelters throughout South Africa.

Sterilising pets reduces this tragedy.