Diefers Legacy Animal Rescue calls for more cats to be neutered

Lisa Thorley who owns Diefers Legacy Animal Rescue centre says that there is a ‘massive problem’ with un-neutered males and females.

One of the issues is that kittens are being born outside and if they are able to survive and are not rescued, they then go on to have kittens themselves, "which is a vicious circle of them having kittens themselves".

Lisa added: “In Bolton there is a massive problem with un-neutered males and females, so kittens are being born outside - if they survive and are not rescued, they then go on to have kittens themselves.

“It’s a vicious circle.

“Unneutered male cats will literally fight to the death over females and equally unneutered females will also fight.

“The injuries that cats inflict on each other really are pretty horrific.”

Pet lovers urged to have their cats neutered

Kittens can become pregnant from 16 weeks old when they are only babies themselves.

During female pregnancy for kittens, they may need up to four times the usual food intake to ensure herself and her growing kittens are healthy.

A kitten can also get pregnant after four weeks of having kittens.

Once born, the kittens will also need flea and wormers to avoid fatal diseases.

Lisa says that getting cats neutered is more important than ever and will help prevent unwanted kittens and inbreeding.

But she also emphasised that there were also a lot of other health benefits for the cat.

She added: “Spaying a female cat, especially before the first heat, helps prevent uterine infections, uterine cancers, and breast cancer.

“Neutering male cats eliminates the chances of testicular cancer and lowers the risk of prostate problems.

“Generally, spayed and neutered pets live healthier, longer, and happier lives.”

You can get cats protection vouchers to help with neutering, and if on benefits people can use the RSPCA Bolton branch in Halliwell.