Cats Protection offering free neutering in Rugby

Cats Protection Rugby is offering free neutering for a week as part of Spay Day

World Spay Day takes place on Tuesday, February 23, and a number of national charities are supporting the event.

Rugby residents who want to take advantage of the offer can call the helpline (01788) 570010 between Monday, February 22 and Saturday, February 27.

Free vouchers for male and female cats will be valid until March 31 and will be issued to callers living in CV21, CV22 and CV23 postcodes.

Vouchers will be sent to one of the five participating vets in Rugby; Rainsbrook Hillmorton, Bilton Veterinary Centre, Animal House, Vets for Pets Bilton Road and Vets for Pets Central.

The vouchers expire on March 31.

“Cats can get pregnant while they are still kittens, which is why we advise that cats are spayed before they start to venture outdoors, said Eva Goodwin, Coordinator of Rugby Cats Protection.

“Many people believe that female cats should be allowed to have a litter of kittens before being spayed, but this simply isn’t true - the sooner a cat has been spayed, vaccinated and microchipped, the sooner she can do all the things cats enjoy doing, like exploring the outside world.

“Crucially it also gives the owner peace of mind that you have done everything you can to ensure the welfare of your pet.”

The Cat Population Control Group has revealed the four simple steps to give a pet kitten the best possible start in life:

>At eight weeks (or as soon as you get them) register your new kitten with a vet as soon as possible - give them a call and book them in for a checkup and vaccinations.

>At nine weeks: First vaccinations - to protect them from disease. At the same time your vet will give your kitten a health check - your vet will let you know which treatment for flea and worms is best for your kitten.

> At three months: Second vaccinations - to boost their immune system as they get ready to explore life outdoors.

> At four months: Spayed or snipped - to protect female cats from getting pregnant and prevent male cats from roaming and reduce the risk of being hit by a car, as well as reducing the risk of developing serious conditions.

> And microchipped - to give your kitten the best possible chance of coming home should they get lost.

> Once the kitten has been wormed and de-flead, vaccinated, spayed or snipped and microchipped, they’ll be ready to start exploring the outdoors.

For more information about World Spay Day and neutering events in your area, visit www.cats.org.uk/worldspayday