The RSPCA hopes a new concession program will result in an additional 1200 cats being desexed in the next year.
RSPCA Chief Executive Officer Neale Sutton says members of the public who hold a current concession, pension or disability card can have their cat desexed by the RSPCA for less than half of what they could pay at a veterinary clinic.
“This is all about reducing the number of unwanted and feral cats, which can be a social nuisance and place pressure on our animal shelters,” he said.
“We will be focusing on female cats, which tend to outnumber the males and are capable of breeding from just a few months of age.
“Concession card holders can have their female cat desexed for just $85. That’s much cheaper than going to a vet, which could cost them about $200.
“We hope this will encourage people who have delayed having their cat desexed for financial reasons to make an appointment with the RSPCA.”
Mr Sutton said the RSPCA was fortunate to receive a $100,000 donation from a long time supporter, who does not wish to be identified.
“Thanks to her generosity we have employed an extra full-time vet who will be dedicated to this particular program,” he said.
The concession program will run out of the RSPCA's Lonsdale shelter five days a week.
“We have established a new recovery suite which includes 19 new cages with heating pads, and isolation areas to ensure the cats don’t interact during their stay,” Mr Sutton said.
“This concession desexing program gives the RSPCA and cat owners a chance to make an impact.
“I encourage concession card holders to take advantage of this opportunity."
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