Advocating for feline wellbeing

IF you have a feline friend in need of desexing and microchipping, Geelong Animal Welfare Society (GAWS) has the paw-fect initiative for you.

GAWS has partnered with Animal Welfare Victoria to offer free desexing and microchipping procedures to 120 cats in the region.

The Fix a Feline Friend for Free program aims to promote responsible pet ownership, while helping extend the lifespans of pet cats and preventing strays in Greater Geelong.

Spaying and neutering of cats has a wide range of benefits, not only to our pets, but also to the community and our animal shelters.

GAWS houses hundreds of cats every year and is currently caring for nearly 100 cats who are waiting to find their fur-ever home.

Many kittens and cats are surrendered to the shelter as a result of unwanted litters.

Getting your cat desexed can help manage our existing cat population and ease the strain on GAWS, animal shelters and foster carers around the region.

This can also have many benefits for the wellbeing of your cat and household.

Desexing of cats has been linked to behavioural improvement and reduced aggression and yowling.

Spaying female cats lowers the risk of uterine infections and ovarian cancer, while neutering a male cat eliminates the risk of testicular cancer and reduces the likelihood of prostate issues.

Neutered male cats are also less likely to spray urine to mark their territory – so it’s a win for you and your couch!

Desexed cats are less inclined to wander far from home in search of mates, which reduces the risk of accidents, fights, infections or your furry friend going missing.

Overall, desexing your cat is a responsible choice that reflects a commitment to your pet’s health and wellbeing.

As Council’s safety portfolio chair, I am a huge advocate for having cats desexed for the wellbeing of your four-legged friends, our community and the sustainability of our animal shelters.

Greater Geelong has about 38,000 cats and dogs registered in the region, one of the largest domestic animal populations of any municipality in Victoria.

The City animal management team responds to more than 6000 animal-related requests every year.

Many lost cats and dogs end up in care at GAWS if they’re found on the street, so ensuring your pet is microchipped is vital so you can be reunited with them if they go missing.

If you know a feline in need of these procedures, I urge you to get in quick, because these spots will fill up fast.

To be eligible, cat owners must reside in the City of Greater Geelong, Surf Coast, or Golden Plains shires, or the Borough of Queenscliffe and hold a current Centrelink, pension or concession card.

This offer is running until July 31 so if you think you may be eligible, contact the National Desexing Network on 1300 368 992 to register, or head to gaws.org.au.

Cr Chris Burson

You Yangs Ward,

City of Greater Geelong