It’s in my nature…

While environmental changes mean there isn’t really a specific kitten season anymore, we are reaching the time of year where there is definitely an increase in the number of cats getting pregnant. A recent interaction on a lost and found page about a visiting tom reminded me that it’s important to recognise that while yes, allowing an animal to exhibit their natural behaviour is important, certain behaviours can prove detrimental to the species as a whole.

The fact is, cats in built up areas that remain entire are not likely to have an especially fun existence overall. The males are at higher risk of getting into fights and sustaining injuries that can potentially get infected. They’re more likely to contract FIV, or roam further and get hurt trying to find new mates.

The females are at risk of being in a repeated cycle of pregnancy. Mating isn’t a pleasant experience for a female cat, and there are multiple complications that can occur from a female cat having one litter, let alone multiple.

And even if you’re lucky enough to manage to find homes for any litter your cat may have, the fact remains there are multiple cats – including kittens – already in rescues throughout the UK looking for people to love them.

Neutering and spaying has never caused a negative psychological impact on any of the cats I’ve cared for that I’ve observed, but seeing a female left to be subjected to her heats most definitely seemed to.

This article illustrates what rescues throughout the UK are dealing with on a daily basis. Please note, one of these two kittens is already pregnant at an estimated age of six months.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c86jewjv57lo