Barbados is over-populated with thousands upon thousands of unwanted feral cats. These cats struggle to survive, hungry, often sick or injured. Feral cats are a problem Island-side and we trap, neuter and release as many as possible. T/N/R is accepted by Animal Humane organisations as the best method to control over-breeding of feral felines and is preferable to Pest Control Company policies of extermination. Normally only the young inquisitive cats are caught whilst the older and wiser Toms and Queens continue to breed. Veterinarians with whom we work with tattoo the ears of females for easy recognition.
- WHY SPAY YOUR FEMALE CAT
- No. 1 because of the over-population of unwanted feral cats in Barbados..!!
- If you let your cat have a litter, and manage to find homes for her kittens, you will use up homes that a litter of kittens sitting in a rescue centre could have had. They may end up being destroyed.
- Many female cats in season become lost when they are chased by numerous male cats. They often become disorientated and cannot find their way home. Invariably they become pregnant and have kittens on the streets.
- This is how colonies of feral cats are formed. These cats struggle to survive, hungry, often sick or injured.
- So many un-neutered male cats carry the F.I.V. virus that female cats are at risk if they are bitten during mating. Feline sex can be very violent, particularly when several males are fighting over one female.
- F.I.V. and leukaemia virus can be passed to female cats under these circumstances.
- A female can come into season and mate with an un-neutered male cat up to three times a year. She can give birth to a litter of up to six kittens each time. At six months old, the kittens will also begin to breed. Some may end up homeless and breed on the streets forming feral colonies in towns and cities.
- WHY NEUTER YOUR MALE CAT
- No. 1 because of the over-population of unwanted feral cats in Barbados..!!
- When mature, your un-neutered male cat will begin to roam further a field in his search for female cats. As he travels further, he will be at risk when crossing busy roads and from fight injuries acquired during territorial battles with other un-neutered male cats. Many male cats roam just a bit too far and cannot find their way home.
- Un-neutered male cats are very territorial and aggressive towards other cats. They will be inflicting terrible injuries on other cats, neutered or not! Fighting un-neutered male cats are most at risk of contracting F.I.V. The virus is transmitted between cats through deep bites incurred during fights. F.I.V. is widespread amongst un-neutered male cats and can eventually develop into full-blown disease.
- Un-neutered male cats spray very strong foul-smelling urine to mark their territory. They may spray in and around your home or your neighbour’s homes. Neutering prevents this.
When Should I Neuter my Cat?
Cats should be neutered at 5 – 6 months. There is absolutely NO benefit to your cat breeding or having a litter.
PLEASE neuter your cat. For low cost spay/neuter services, please contact us.
The Ark Animal Welfare Society, Barbados
Registered Charity: No: 428
Telephone: (246) 435-4108
Email: ark@caribsurf.com
