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Did you know that in five years, one female dog and its offspring can produce approximately 20,000 puppies?

In only two years, one female cat and its offspring can produce approximately 20,000 kittens!

So what happens to all of these puppies and kittens?

Many don’t end up finding homes. They end up in pounds, shelters or dumped. Many become strays and are easy targets for cruelty. Regretfully, many of those in pounds and shelters are put down because there just aren’t enough homes for them, or the treatment they have received whilst living as a stray makes them unable to be re-homed.

Unwanted puppies and kittens can suffer an awful life of starvation, disease, lack of shelter and love, abuse and continue the cycle of over-breeding.

Most of us think puppies and kittens are really cute, but the bottom line is too many end up unwanted.

The cost of preventing our pets from producing so many unwanted offspring by de-sexing them is a bargain compared to the cost of providing food, shelter and ongoing care whilst trying to rehome all of the unwanted puppies and kittens.

What are the benefits of desexing my pet?

It’s every pet owner’s responsibility to make sure their cat or dog is desexed, regardless of whether it is male or female. For both males and females, the operation is quick and recovery is only a few days. Your pet can be desexed from 2-3 months of age.

A desexed pet:

• Has less risk of getting cancer (mammary cancer in females, testicular cancer in males)
• Has less risk of getting prostate problems (m)
• Has less risk of getting uterine infections (f)
• Won’t suffer from physical and nutritional exhaustion associated with continually breeding
• Will generally live a longer and healthier life
• Is less prone to wander, fight or get lost or injured whilst looking for a mate
• May be calmer
• Likely to be more affectionate
• Won’t be as aggressive
• Less likely to urine mark or spray to claim territory and attract mates (very pungent odour)
• Won’t have male dogs/cats all over your property - responding to the mating calls of your pet
• Will comply with council requirements (depending on location and local council laws)

For more information please consult the RSPCA Knowledge Base.

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