Harrogate Cat Rescue is urging owners to neuter their pets following a surge in the number of kittens.
Celia Dakin currently has 30 kittens at the organisation she runs from home in Harrogate. This is about double the norm, partly due to lockdown.
All of the animals must be vet checked and neutered before they can be adopted.
Ms Dakin said owners should do the responsible thing before allowing their cats outside to roam.
She said:
“I have more kittens in foster now than I had when I was working for a national charity, which is down to people not neutering their cats and of course the pause on the trap-neuter-return programme.”
The trap-neuter-return programme, which charities operate, prevents colonies of cats reproducing. The programme was stopped during lockdown, which has contributed to an increase in kitten litters.
Ms Dakin said owners needed to take responsibility for ensuring their cats were safe.
She added:
“I can’t stress how crucial it is. It may only cost an owner as much as a meal out. Each cat has its own needs and owners need to be aware of them. It is your responsibility as an owner.”
Cats often have several litters a year, as their pregnancies only last for nine weeks. Celia said that cats are controlled by their hormones, particularly males who will often fight for females.
Ms Dakin’s rescue centre offers all cats and kittens another chance.
She said she often saw social media posts by cat owners showing pictures of their unexpected kittens. They were often then given away, sometimes without vet check or neutering.
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Ms Dakin hoped her rescue centre and social media posts would promote the message of neutering.
She said cats were treated as second-class to dogs.
“You wouldn’t have the same problem with dogs because they are much more protected but for cats there’s limited protection.”
