Kitten season puts shelters under pressure

THE City of Greater Geelong is encouraging the community to adopt a furry friend instead of buying from a breeder, with Geelong Animal Welfare Society (GAWS) receiving 57 kittens so far during the warmer months of “kitten season”.

Although cats reproduce year-round, kitten season kicks in when the days get longer, the weather becomes warmer and roaming female cats (both owned and stray) that are not desexed come on heat.

A cat and her mate can produce two litters each year, with usually three to five kittens from each litter surviving.

Over four years, each new cat can repeat this cycle, with numbers potentially growing to more than 2,107 cats.

Unwanted litters and pregnant cats, including mothers that are barely out of kittenhood themselves, are dropped into GAWS by members of the public or by the City’s animal management officers every day.

Between September 1 and November 30 last year, 273 cats and 105 kittens came through the shelter’s doors.

Kittens are available for adoption for $235 or $410 for special breeds, and will be desexed, microchipped and checked over by a vet.

This season is also a reminder for the community to get their cats desexed and rethink letting them roam, with the average cat roaming up to 300km per year.

These measures help to prevent unwanted litters, support the health of female cats, reduce pressure on shelters and protect native wildlife.

In support of GAWS’ discounted cat desexing until December 12, the city is offering residents who take up the promotion free pet registrations.

Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj said kitten season was an extremely busy time for GAWS.

“The team at GAWS are doing a fantastic job ensuring dozens of kittens and mother cats are healthy, well-fed and find a loving and safe forever home,” Cr Kontelj said.

“Please consider giving a cat a second chance and help to alleviate shelter overcrowding by adopting from GAWS instead of purchasing one from a breeder.”

He said residents who already owned a cat could still help prevent overpopulation through desexing and containment.

“Cats can start breeding as early as four or five months old so it’s imperative that we all do our bit to break this cycle,” Cr Kontelj said.

GAWS chief executive officer Helen Cocks said both the on-site shelter and in-home foster program were inundated with cats in need of loving forever homes.

“We encourage anyone who has been considering a feline companion to visit GAWS and adopt,” Ms Cocks said.

“We have cats of various ages, from six months and older, to suit all types of homes, from playful youngsters to older cats looking for a comfortable retirement.

“Our friendly staff are on hand to help you find the perfect companion for your lifestyle.

“Not only will you gain a new family member, you’ll also be giving a cat a second chance at a happy life and making space for more animals who need our help.”

Ms Cocks said existing cat owners could make a big difference.

“Desexing your pet helps keep them healthy, prevents unwanted litters, and reduces pressure on our already crowded shelters,” she said.

“We also encourage all cat owners to ensure their pets are microchipped.

“Only around 10 per cent of animals that come into GAWS are reclaimed by their owners.

“Making sure your cat is microchipped and your contact details are up to date means that if your pet ever goes missing, we can return them home quickly, allowing us to focus our resources on helping vulnerable cats back to good health.”

For more information about adopting or desexing a cat, head to gaws.org.au