Getting your cat desexed
Desexing your cat is required by law, but it is also the socially responsible thing to do.
Uncontrolled cat breeding is a huge problem for Tasmania. If more cats are desexed, there will be fewer unwanted and neglected kittens in our community.
Do I have to desex my cat?
Under the Cat Management Act 2009, from 1 March 2022, all cats must be desexed by four months of age. This is to prevent unwanted litters as cats can reach sexual maturity as early as four months of age. Exemptions to desexing will apply where a vet certifies that desexing may adversely affect the health and welfare of the cat, or if the cat is owned for the purpose of breeding by a registered breeder or the holder of a cat breeding permit in relation to the cat.
There are many benefits to having your cat desexed
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It stops unwanted litters, reducing the problem and costs of unwanted pets
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It increases your cat’s life expectancy
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It reduces undesirable behaviours, such as spraying, fighting, roaming and yowling
What is involved?
Desexing is the surgical sterilisation of your kitten or cat under a general anaesthetic and only a qualified veterinary surgeon can undertake this procedure.
Your vet will attend to the post-operative requirements of your cat and normally cats are ready to go home a few hours after the procedure. Your vet will also give you detailed advice on how to properly care for your cat at home in the days following surgery. Desexing does not affect the personality traits of your cat.
What is the cost?
The cost of desexing your cat will vary based on its sex, age and the fees of your selected vet. Remember, a desexed cat has a reduced risk of many health issues that can be costly to treat, saving you money in the longer term. So the cost of desexing is very small when compared with the resulting benefits.
Discounted desexing
The National Desexing Network (NDN) is a nationwide referral system for discounted desexing made available to pet owners in financial need. The NDN’s goal is to end pet overpopulation by making this service more affordable to those who might not otherwise be in a position to desex their pets. Discount desexing vouchers from NDN are only available to individuals holding a pension, concession or healthcare card showing a CRN number.
Visit www.ndn.org.au for more details and to find a participating vet clinic near you.
Discounted desexing in July
Each year during National Desexing Month (July), selected vet clinics in Tasmania promote desexing and generously offer special deals to encourage the community to desex their cat in July before the spring breeding season. Contact your local vet clinic for more information.
Thanks to Good Cat SA for their great information regarding desexing.
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