It’s that time of the year again when young cats’ thoughts will soon turn to the opposite sex, so cat owners are urged by the RSPCA to think about desexing.

Every year in Perth, thousands of kittens are put down simply because there aren’t enough homes for them. It’s a sad truth, made even more poignant by the fact that these unwanted arrivals could so easily be prevented if cat owners had their pets sterilised.

Cats are prolific breeders and August is traditionally seen as the start of the mating season. Our feline friends can become fertile from around four months old and can produce multiple litters throughout the year, unless they are desexed.

Sterilisation doesn’t just prevent the pitter patter of unwanted paws but is also known to be good for the health of cats. Desexed moggies tend to live healthier lives, are more affectionate, they don’t to stray and are less likely to display anti-social behaviour such as spraying and fighting.

Sterilization shouldn’t be seen as an optional extra by pet owners but a crucial part of overall pet care.

All cats, and dogs, adopted from the RSPCA at 108 Malaga Drive, Malaga are sterilised. They are also microchipped, vaccinated and vet checked.