“What greater gift than the love of a cat?” – Charles Dickens
Today is Global Cat Day. A day that celebrates one of the world’s favourite companions who have been a part of households for thousands of years. Today we can celebrate our favourite felines by spending time with them, advocating for their health and well-being and just generally celebrating our love for cats.
Many ISPCA rescued cats are left behind when their owners moved house or were no longer willing to look after them. In other cases cats and kittens were dumped, lost or their owners had sadly passed away. In some cases, cats were starving and scavenging to survive trying to feed their newborn kittens. Sadly their offspring becomes feral, not having any human interaction and as they will continue to multiply unless we can stop the cycle.
With an estimated 200,000 feral cats indiscriminately breeding, the overpopulation problem is a serious welfare concern in Ireland, as feral cats continue to breed across the country. Many of these cats are sick and become injured due to fighting. The ISPCA is encouraging members of the public who are in contact with a feral cat colony to take part in a community initiative and Trap, Neuter, and Return (TNR) to tackle the issue and reduce the cat overpopulation problem in their area.
Kittens can become active at young as 16 weeks old and they can have as many as three litters per year. By having cats and kittens neutered and spayed (when of age) it will prevent accidental litters of kittens from being born.
In nearly all cases, spaying and neutering have overwhelmingly positive benefits:
- Spaying and Neutering reduces the risk of certain cancers;
- Positive effect on health and lifespan;
- Curbs unwanted behaviour and marking;
- Prevents unwanted litters of kittens;
- Un-spayed cats are seven times more likely to develop mammary cancers than those spayed at puberty. 80% of feline mammary tumours are malignant;
- Neutering reduces fighting and unwanted territorial behaviour in male cats by over 80%;
- Spaying/Neutering is a very simple procedure completed under anaesthetic and the recovery time is usually very quick;
- Kittens generally should be neutered or spayed at four months of age but speak to your vet for advice.
How you can celebrate Global Cat Day:
- Adopt a cat from your local animal rescue;
- Please ensure your cat is neutered or spayed;
- Microchip your cat;
- Give your cat a good groom;
- Make your cat their favourite nutritious dinner.
How do you plan to celebrate Global Cat Day? Share your day with us on Instagram and Facebook!
