To Neuter or Spay your cat is one of the kindest, most important things you can do for your cat's health and welfare - and for the future cat population. Neutering is a win-win all round, and need not be expensive either - see below for low cost neutering options.
- WHY should I have my cat / kitten neutered?
- WHEN should I neuter my cat / kitten?
- Female cats - the Benefits of spaying
- Male cats - the Benefits of neutering
- ££ LOW COST Neutering options!
Why to neuter • When to neuter • Female Cats • Male Cats • LOW COST Neutering
WHY should I Neuter?
Neutering is the kindest thing a caring owner can do to protect their cat. A female kitten can get pregnant while she’s still a kitten herself, so should be spayed at four months to protect her from an unplanned pregnancy. Around 85% of litters are un-planned! Neutering your male kitten will help keep him safe - ensuring that he doesn't get into constant fights over females, and also that he doesn't feel the urge to wander off in search of a mate. It's all too common for un-neutered males to get lost or killed on the roads, because they haven't been neutered.
Neutering also helps the general cat population; the less un-planned litters there are, the more homes are available for the many cats and kittens in rescue shelters. A simple 'snip' really does show you care!
WHEN should I Neuter?
Kittens should be neutered at 4 months (16 weeks), which is the age they become sexually active. Leaving it later often results in un-planned pregnancies. The old idea of neutering at 6 months is now considered outdated, and 4 months is becoming the 'norm'. Research has shown that there are no adverse risks to spaying at this age, and that recovery times from the operation can in fact be quicker. Adult cats who were not neutered as kittens, can be neutered at any age.
Neutering / spaying at 4 months is recommended by the British Veterinary Association, and supported by the British Small Animal Veterinary Association, and the major animal welfare groups - Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, the Blue Cross, Cats Protection, Celia Hammond Animal Trust, International Cat Care, PDSA, the Mayhew Animal Home, RSPCA and Wood Green, the Animal Charity. There is a wealth of clinical and welfare evidence supporting four month neutering - you can read a summary here: Neutering Kittens at Four Months: Evidence Summary. Neutering at four months has been common in Australia, New Zealand and the USA for many years.
Some vets in the UK still delay neutering until a cat is six months old; but this is only because that's what they have done for years. The current recommendation to neuter at four months is rapidly becoming general practise, and an increasing number of vets are adopting the new guidelines. Vets practices who are already neutering at 4 months appear on Cats Protection's Kitten Neutering Vet Database
Find your nearest vets practices (UK): findavet.rcvs.org.uk
££ On Low Income? Get Cheaper Neutering...
If you receive benefits, are on a pension or low income, you can get low-cost, and sometimes even free neutering. This can be in the form of neutering vouchers or at subsidised neutering clinics - details below. Don't let the cost of neutering put you off - help is available!
UK-WIDE: Low Cost Subsidised Neutering schemes - available UK-wide
REGIONAL: Local Neuter / Spay Clinics and Low-Cost Neutering offers Schemes
Female Cats - the Benefits of Spaying
Keeping Her Safe: When an un-spayed female cat come into season, she will be pursued by un-neutered males from a wide area. Often, female cats in season are chased far from home by the males and end up lost, pregnant, and living rough. This is how feral cat colonies are formed. They struggle to survive, often hungry, and frequently becoming sick or injured. Every year, in 'kitten season' (April - October), shelters take in pregnant females, who have clearly been owned at some time. Keep your cat safe - have her spayed.
Keeping Her Healthy: Many stray, un-neutered males carry viruses such as FeLV (feline leukaemia) which can be passed on to female cats during mating. Un-spayed females are also more at risk of developing cystic ovaries and the potentially fatal pyometra. Keep her healthy - have her spayed.
The 'one litter' Myth: It's just a myth that a female cat should be allowed to have one litter. Cats don't want or choose to have babies in the same way that people do. It's only her hormones which urge her to mate; she is not even aware it will result in kittens! Spaying your female cat will not make her feel like she's 'missed out', in fact she will have a happier life, not being pestered by un-neutered males. Give your cat a happier life - have her spayed.
Helping the Wider Cat Population: If you allow your female cat to have a litter, and manage to find homes for the kittens, they have then used up homes that rescued kittens could have had. Some kittens wait many months in shelters for a home. Spaying your female cat helps to keep the wider cat population in balance, ensuring that more cats and kittens have a home. Help homeless cats - have her spayed.
Indoor Cats: Even if your cat stays indoors, it is kinder to neuter her, as she will still come into season, which is frustrating for her and for you. She may try to escape, and will begin 'calling' loudly for mates. Having her spayed at four months will stop her coming into season.
When to Neuter? Kittens should be neutered at 4 months (16 weeks), as recommended above, but can be neutered at any age thereafter. To prevent unwanted litters, your kitten should be kept indoors until she is spayed.
Find your nearest vets practices (UK): findavet.rcvs.org.uk
Male Cats - the Benefits of Neutering
Keeping him Safe: When an un-neutered male reaches sexual maturity (from 4 months), he will feel the urge to wander off to find females, risking his life crossing busy roads. Those that roam too far and get lost, will join the UK's estimated two and a half million strays living on the streets or in feral colonies, and face a very bleak future. Having your male cat 'snipped' means he will be less likely to wander off. Keep him safe - have him neutered.
Keeping him Healthy: Un-neutered male cats are very aggressive towards each other, and will get into fierce battles over territory and females. Their fights result in horrific bite injuries and viral infections. Protecting your cat from the urge to fight will also guard against preventable vet bills. Keep him healthy - have him neutered.
A pee-free Home: An un-neutered male cat is likely to spray (urine) in your house to mark his territory. The smell of un-neutered cat's pee in your house - even a small amount - is very smelly and unpleasant. Keep your home pee-free - have him neutered.
Indoor Cats: If your male cat is kept indoors, neutering is still the best option. Neutering will prevent him from become sexually frustrated and continually trying to escape, and will also save you from the smelly problem of urine-spraying.
When to neuter? Male kittens should be neutered at 4 months (16 weeks), as recommended above, but can be neutered at any age thereafter. Neutering will protect your cat. It's also helps reduce the stray cat population, and lower instances of fight-injuries, and the spread of viruses such as FIV and Feline Leukaemia.
Find your nearest vets practices (UK): findavet.rcvs.org.uk
LOW COST Neutering
(Nationwide Subsidised Neutering Schemes):
Cats Protection Neutering Scheme:
Cats Protection offer a means tested scheme to neuter your cat for £10 at selected vet practices in the UK. Contact 03000 12 12 12 then option 2 for the neutering department between the hours of 9:30am – 1pm to find out more.
RSPCA Neutering Vouchers:
Low-cost neutering vouchers are available from most RSPCA branches. Find contact details for your local RSPCA branch on our shelter listings here: Cat Rescue Centres - UK & Ireland. If you don't have a branch near you, call the RSPCA neutering line: 0300 123 8019 (local rate).
PDSA PetAid Hospitals and practices
PDSA PetAid offers free veterinary treatment for pets of those in receipt of certain benefits. Eligible clients of PDSA are offered reduced price neutering. For more information about eligibility, call freephone 0800 731 2502 or log onto www.pdsa.org.uk - Find your nearest PSDA PetAid hospital or PetAid veterinary practice here: www.pdsa.org.uk/near-me
Blue Cross - Free Neutering
Offering free veterinary services to pets whose owners are on certain means-tested benefits: www.bluecross.org.uk/veterinary
Local Rescue Groups - Neutering Schemes
Many independent rescue organisations can help with neutering costs, or have arrangements with local vets for discounted neutering. Don't be afraid to ask, they all have the animal's welfare at heart. Find details for your nearest rescue groups on our shelter listings here: Local Rescue Organisations UK & Ireland
LOW COST Neutering
(Regional Clinics and Reduced Price Neutering)
LOW COST Neutering & Spaying at these below, listed by region:
BERKSHIRE:
Reading: Easipetcare - 106 Crockhamwell Rd, Woodley, Reading, Berkshire, RG5 3JY. Tel: 01189 699526. Low cost vets who care. Low cost on all services, including vaccinations and neutering. www.easipetcare.com
BEDFORDSHIRE:
Community Neutering team for Cats Protection LU5: (Covering Houghton Regis & Downside) - Tel: 07968 470323 or Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Spaywatch: Low cost animal neutering charity - Tel: 01733 370198, or 07484 161151 or Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
BRISTOL & AVON:
Bristol Animal Rescue Centre (Bristol ARC): Low cost neutering for those on means tested benefits - Tel: 01179 724 567, Mon – Fri between 9 – 4 pm.
Cats Protection - North Bristol: Neutering Assistance - Tel: 0345 260 1320 or Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
CAMBRIDGESHIRE:
Cats Protection - Fenland: Neutering Assistance - Tel: 0345 647 2180 or Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Spaywatch: Low cost animal neutering charity - Tel: 01733 370198, or 07484 161151 or Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
CHESHIRE:
Cheadle: Greenbank Veterinary Clinic - 16 Northenden Road, Gatley Cheadle Cheshire SK8 4DN. Tel 0161 428 5655.
Wigan: Prevent Unwanted Pets - Lancashire West Branch - Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Web: Prevent Unwanted Pets - Lancashire West Facebook Page
DEVON:
Plymouth: Woodside Animal Welfare Trust - Low cost cat & dog neutering for those in receipt of certain benefits (inc. state pension). Tel 01752 347503.
ESSEX:
Spaywatch: Low cost animal neutering charity - Tel: 01733 370198, or 07484 161151 or Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Canning Town: Celia Hammond Animal Trust - Low Cost Cat And Dog Neuter Clinic, 151-153, Barking Road, Canning Town, E16 4HQ. Tel: 02074 748 811. Offers low-cost neutering to those on benefits and low income in London and Essex. Web: www.celiahammond.org
FIFE:
Kelty: Fife Cat Shelter - Low cost neutering help. Tel - 01383 830286 (9am - 5pm, Monday - Saturday)
HAMPSHIRE:
Portsmouth: Purrfect Paws Feline Welfare - spay/neuter scheme. Tel: 07803 508623 or Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Portsmouth & part of Southampton: Friends of the Animals - Low cost Spaying or Neutering. Tel: 01983 522511(Tuesday to Friday 10am – 5pm and Saturday 10am to 4pm) or Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
HERTFORDSHIRE:
Cats Protection - Epping Forest: Neutering Assistance - Tel: 01992 280162 or Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Spaywatch: Low cost animal neutering charity - Tel: 01733 370198, or 07484 161151 or Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
IRELAND:
Belfast: Cat Support Group. Tel: 07557 857776 or Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Belfast: Cats Protection - Greater Belfast: Neutering Assistance - Tel: 02895 531 207 or Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Dublin: The Irish Blue Cross - Operates a low cost neutering scheme - cat or dog neutering costs around one-third of the normal cost. Tel: 01 416 3030 or Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
ISLE OF WIGHT:
Newport: Friends of the Animals - Offering discounted prices for Spaying or Neutering. Tel: 01983 522511 (Tuesday to Friday 10am – 5pm and Saturday 10am to 4pm) or Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
KENT:
Bromley: RSPCA Bromley & District Branch - FREE CAT NEUTERING for those on government benefits or low income, within these postcode areas: BR1, BR2, BR3 (1, 2, 3), BR4, BR5, BR6, BR7 & TN16 (3). Tel: 07538 472822 or Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Canterbury: The Lord Whiskey Sanctuary Fund - Low cost veterinary care and discounted neutering for those on certain benefits. Tel: 01303 862622 or Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Chatham: Easipetcare - Union Street, Chatham, Kent, ME4 4PZ. Tel: 01634 829934. Low cost vets who care. Low cost on all services, including vaccinations and neutering. www.easipetcare.com
Maidstone: RSPCA Tunbridge Wells & Maidstone - Low cost neutering and assisted veterinary treatment at a weekly clinic for those on benefits or a low income. 72-74 Wheeler Street, Maidstone, Kent. Maidstone - Tel: 01622 812195. Tunbridge Wells - Tel: 01892 517121 Website: www.rspca-tunbridgewellsandmaidstone.org.uk
Medway Towns: Cats Protection - Medway Towns: Neutering Assistance - Tel: 01634 913 413 or Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
N. Kent - Bromley & Dartford etc: Celia Hammond Animal Trust - Low Cost Cat And Dog Neuter Clinic, 233-235, Lewisham Way, London, SE4 1UY. Tel: 02086 912 100. Offers low-cost cat and dog neutering to those on benefits or low income. Web: www.celiahammond.org
Thanet: Cats Protection - Thanet: Neutering Assistance - Tel: 01227 360432
LANCASHIRE:
Fylde Coast: Prevent Unwanted Pets - Fylde Coast Branch. Tel: 01253 874560 or 07792 672521 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Wigan: Prevent Unwanted Pets - Lancashire West Branch - Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Web: Prevent Unwanted Pets - Lancashire West Facebook Page
Manchester: Cats Protection - Manchester: Neutering Assistance - Tel: 0345 260 1243
Manchester: Greenbank Veterinary Clinic - 16 Northenden Road, Gatley Cheadle Cheshire SK8 4DN. Tel 0161 428 5655. Low-cost neutering and vaccinations (cats and dogs).
Preston: Lancashire Cat Rescue - Tel: 01772 750263 (leave a message) £10 Snip & Chip Offer available to those on benefits or low incomes.
Wigan, Bolton & surrounding areas: Neutering 4 Paws- Offering low cost Neutering. Tel: 07917672015 or Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
LINCOLNSHIRE:
Boston: Cats Protection - Boston & District. Tel: 0345 2601 391, Website: www.cats.org.uk/boston.
Lincoln: Spay and Neuter Lincolnshire. Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Web: Spay and Neuter Lincolnshire Facebook page
Lincoln: Spaywatch: Low cost animal neutering charity - Tel: 01733 370198, or 07484 161151 or Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
LONDON:
Camden: The London Beaumont Neutering Clinic - The clinic, in Camden, London is run jointly by Cats Protection and the National Canine Defence League, offering low cost netuering for dogs and cats. Tel: 020 7387 8134
Canning Town: Celia Hammond Animal Trust - Low Cost Cat And Dog Neuter Clinic, 151-153, Barking Road, Canning Town, E16 4HQ. Tel: 02074 748 811. Offers low-cost neutering, vaccinations, microchipping, flea and worm treatments, dental work, and other treatments. Web: www.celiahammond.org
Greater London: Free and subsidised neutering and veterinary care for London ’s pets, available to those on benefits, pensions or low income, and for stray cats. Neutering vouchers can be used at over 150 private and charity vets supporting the scheme throughout Greater London. Tel: 020 7355 1677 or write to: Free Cat Neutering Offer, Box 145, 2 Lansdowne Row, London, W1J 6HL. Download the PDF information booklet
Greater London: London Cat Care and Control Consortium (C4) - North Thames - FREE CAT NEUTERING for those on benefits or a pension, or who are caring for a stray or feral cat, or who simply can't afford private veterinary fees. Tel: 08458 734782.
Greater London: Celia Hammond Animal Trust Lewisham clinic offers low cost cat & dog neutering for owners on benefits or a low income from any postcode area. They also accept Cats Protection and C4 vouchers. If you live too far away, they can advise you of any subsidised neutering schemes closer to your home. CHAT Lewisham Clinic - 233-235, Lewisham Way SE4 1UY, Tel: 020 8691 2100. Web: www.celiahammond.org
Greater London: Low cost neutering for cats, dogs and rabbits: The Mayhew Animal Home Community Veterinary Clinic: 020 8962 8017 or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. • Web page: www.themayhew.org/vet-clinic/neutering
Greater London: Spaywatch - Low cost animal neutering charity - Tel: 01733 370198, or 07484 161151 or Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Hammersmith: Blue Cross Animal Hospital - Argyle Place, King St. Tel: 020 8748 5150
Lewisham: Celia Hammond Animal Trust - Low Cost Cat And Dog Neuter Clinic, 233-235, Lewisham Way, London, SE4 1UY. Tel: 02086 912 100. Offers low-cost neutering, vaccinations, microchipping, flea and worm treatments, dental work, and other treatments. Web: www.celiahammond.org
South East London: RSPCA London South East - branch offer free cat neutering to those receipt of state benefits or on a low income. Call 07952 680 522 for a free neutering voucher. Please note this offer is limited due to a limited budget and you must live in the South East London area.
South East London: FREE Cat Neutering & FREE Microchipping - SE Postcodes. "Chip and Snip" scheme available to anyone in SE Postcodes on benefits or low income. Run jointly by Celia Hammond Animal Trust, Lewisham & RSPCA London South East Branch. CHAT Lewisham Clinic - 233-235, Lewisham Way SE4 1UY, Tel: 020 8691 2100.
MERSEYSIDE:
Liverpool: Freshfields Animal Rescue - Subsidised Cat Neutering Scheme, available to low income households in Liverpool. Includes transport to and from vets, and post surgery vet advice. To register call: 0151 931 1604 or Text: 07789 624517, or Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Liverpool: Rescue Me Animal Sanctuary - Offering subsidised neutering services. Tel: 07952 017696 and leave a voicemail.
NORFOLK:
Spaywatch: Low cost animal neutering charity - Tel: 01733 370198, or 07484 161151 or Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
NORTHAMPTONSHIRE:
Spaywatch: Low cost animal neutering charity - Tel: 01733 370198, or 07484 161151 or Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Kettering: Easipetcare - 3 Mariners Way, Northfield Avenue, Kettering, NN16 8AR. Tel: 01536 415775. Low cost vets who care. Low cost on all services, including vaccinations and neutering. Web: www.easipetcare.com
Northampton: Abington Park Veterinary Group - 427 Wellingborough Road, Northampton, NN1 4EZ. Low cost early neutering - Tel: 01604 628685. Website: www.abingtonvets.co.uk
NOTTINGHAMSHIRE:
Prevent Unwanted Pets (PUP) Nottingham Branch: Helping people on a low income towards the cost of having their dogs and cats spayed or neutered. Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Web: www.preventunwantedpets.co.uk
STAFFORDSHIRE:
Burton upon Trent: Cats Protection - Burton upon Trent: Neutering Assistance - Tel: 03000 12 12 12 or Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Burton upon Trent: Easipetcare - 2 Salt Walk, Burton upon Trent, DE14 1AA. Tel: 01283 Tel:01283 510363. Low cost vets who care. Low cost on all services, including vaccinations and neutering. Web: www.easipetcare.com
SUSSEX:
Worthing Animal Clinic: 30/32 Newland Road, Tel: 01903 202248, or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Web: www.worthinganimal.co.uk
WALES:
Carmarthenshire / Powys border: Gwynfe Cat Welfare - Free / donation only cat neutering- NON means tested, in Brecon, Llandovery, Llandeilo, Ammanford, Ystradgynlais. Tel: 01550 740323, 01874 636440 or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for a list of participating vets.
Gwynedd: RSPCA - Subsidised neutering for those on benefits, Tel: 01758 750356
Wales: Cats Protection & RSPCA Cymru - Subsidised neutering for those on benefits or low income; £10 for neutering and microchip. Click the link for a list of participating vets: www.cats.org.uk/what-we-do/neutering/
WEST MIDLANDS:
Walsall: Friends of the Animals - Offering discounted prices for Spaying or Neutering. Tel: 01983 522511 or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
WORCESTERSHIRE:
Kidderminster: Easipetcare - inside 'Just for Pets', New Road, Kidderminster, Worcs, DY10 1AE. Tel: 01562 741547. Low cost vets who care. Low cost on all services, including vaccinations and neutering. Web: www.easipetcare.com
YORKSHIRE:
Keighley: Keighley Cat Care Neutering Scheme. Offers a subsidised neutering program for anybody who cannot afford to have their cats neutered. Tel: 01274 568380
Hull: Cats Protection - Hull & District: Neutering Assistance - Tel: 01482 966 908 or Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
South Yorkshire: (Covering Scawthorpe, Goole, Dunscroft & Rossington) Spay and Neuter Lincolnshire. Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Web: Spay and Neuter Lincolnshire Facebook page
If you know of any other low-cost neutering schemes not yet included here, please let us know! Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. thank you!
Our grateful thanks go to the Celia Hammond Animal Trust for photographs, help and information, and to Cats Protection and the
Cat Population Control Group for their assistance and advice in compiling this page.
