Neutering's the Name of the Game

I know this blog is specifically for the animals to talk but sometimes I (I'm the one who helps the animals to articulate what they want to say) wrestle it off them if there's a really pressing matter I want to discuss.

This time the issue is the neutering of cats. We've spoken about it many times before but it's just so important that I really feel I need to mention it again. 

This year we have seen an increase in the number of abandoned kittens, pregnant mums and nursing mums coming into the Centre. Year on year ourselves and other rescue centres see this increase. This year we offered a deal over the summer whereby we neutered and micro-chipped cats for a highly reduced rate to try to curb the flow of cats coming into the Centre, however the flow of cats to the Centre never seems to slow.

When members of the public call us because they sadly need to part with their cats the vast majority of the time we are unable to help them simply due to the high volume of abandoned cats who are brought to us by Inspectors or left on our doorstep by members of the public. We have a finite number of spaces for cats and, being only a small Centre, this number isn't high. 

Anise was found abandoned in a box with her mother and her sister

A prime example happened on Monday of this week. Two cats were pushed through the gap at the side of our gate when we were closed in the morning. Luckily two members of the public saw what had happened and banged on the gate to alert us. The cats were too stunned to move far and we caught them easily. They are recovering well from their abandonment but this is a case that is happening all too regularly. 

The big driver of the abandonment of these cats is lack of neutering. When a cat is let out the back door or goes through the cat flap, as an owner you basically have no control over where that cat is going. Unfortunately due to the financial climate it can be quite difficult to find the money to afford one cat, let alone the 4 or 5 kittens that cat may then produce. When that happens, owners feel desperate and can resort to abandoning the cat family if they feel they have no other option. 

Please please please tackle the problem BEFORE it happens. Book in and neuter your cat. If you are struggling there are some organisations who can help with neutering costs and the cost of neutering one cat will fall far below the cost of feeding, flea treating, worming and vaccinating kittens. 

Male cat owners are NOT exempt from this. It can be easy to forget the consequences of letting neutering slip by the wayside when you own a male cat however in order to be a responsible pet owner you need to consider this. Although you may not see the after-effects, your cat may be impregnating every stray/feral female cat in the area, along with the female cats who have homes. These stray and feral females then have to give birth in somebody's shed or garden and, if the kittens are lucky enough to survive after living outside, they will either become feral cats themselves, adding to the breeding problem or, if they're lucky, they will be brought into a rescue centre. This endless cycle puts further pressure on rescue centres and on the cat population.

Another incentive for neutering male cats are the health benefits. Neutering reduces the risk of many diseases, eliminates the risk of others and also reduces the likelihood of your male cat wandering and fighting with others. 

Some people believe that neutering animals takes away their choice however it is important to remember that cats are NOT people and they don't actually have a choice. We have to make it for them. It is far more beneficial for a female cat to be neutered at 6 months old and live a long life with her owners than for the female cat to remain unneutered and have at least one litter (she could potentially have 2-3 litters) of kittens every year. Bearing in mind that a cat can have anywhere from 2-8 kittens per litter - that is a huge amount of kittens for her to carry, feed and care for.

There are so many benefits to neutering. I know, kittens are very very cute - but they grow up. And they also all need homes; there are only so many people out there with space to rehome kittens.

If you have any questions about neutering or would like to discuss it further you are welcome to contact the Centre for advice.

Captain's Farewell!

Ahoy me hearties!

My name's Captain - if you've been down to the Centre recently you will have seen me around, I've been here for quite a while. Apparently it's because I'm a bit 'moody' but I think I'm just playful really!

Quite a lot of people have looked at me and asked about me but, no matter how hard I try, I just can't be on my best behaviour when they meet me. The truth is, I'm mischievous and I'd like to think I'm full of character. Cats like me just can't be tamed!

But one person likes me just the way I am. Lauren, who works here at the Centre, spends quite a lot of time with me and we've built up a bond. She recognises that I'm not aggressive and I don't hate people - I just LOVE to play! She decided I was the cat for her and she's taking me home later this week. I can't wait to be out of my cat pod to be honest and I'm so happy I'm going home with the right person. Even her boyfriend likes me even though he's the person I *ahem* attack *ahem* the most. I can't help it, I'm just compelled! Luckily, like Lauren, he recognises that it's just the way I am and neither of them wants to change me. Wish me luck in my new home!

Also, if you've got room in your home for another animal, why not visit all my "friends" (I say friends, none of them really like me as I play a bit too rough for them all...wimps...) at the RSPCA to see if one of them is the right pet for you?

There's dogs, cats, rabbits, hamsters (I never did manage to escape and capture one of those like I wanted to...) and lots more. Why not come down and have a look?

Over and out!

Captain

Marvellous Mum

Hi everybody,

My name is Mable but at the Centre I'm known as the 'Marvellous Mum' - although that name does make me blush!

I was wandering the streets lonely and unhappy when somebody took me into the vets. They found out that I had an injury and that I was pregnant - all this made me quite miserable! Luckily they fixed my wound right up and the RSPCA sent me to live with my foster mum while I waited to have my kittens.

I gave birth to four beautiful babies - three lovely tabby girls and a black and white boy. However the day after I had my babies two more turned up! It turns out that some day-old kittens had been abandoned. Now because I had just given birth the staff thought I might be able to help out two of the others.

Me shortly after giving birth to my four babies

They brought the other two to me (two black and white girls) and they just felt like mine from day one! I had enough milk to take them on and they were exactly the same age was mine, so I didn't mind at all - they became part of our little family straight away.

We're now all back at the Centre and I'm slowly saying goodbye to my family - Edna & Mildred have already gone to their new home together, Bert and Vera are staying together and so are Bettie & Winifred. It's sad to say goodbye but I know they'll all be well loved and it's time for them to grow up - which they can't do with me because I'm too soft on them and still let them feed on me! At least once they're gone I can find a new home of my own, and I can start putting on some weight once I've only got myself to feed.

I love people (and food!) so please come and see me and give me a chance. The staff say soon I'll be going to see the vet who will make it so that I can't have more kittens. Although I love my little ones I have to say I'm relieved - it's very tiring having babies and I really don't want to do it all again. I'd much rather settle down in a nice home with a cosy bed, toys, lots of food and perhaps another cat to play with?

Come down and meet me! :) xxx

Beautiful Bernadette

My name is Bernadette and I was brought into the RSPCA Centre in Derby after somebody found me abandoned in a cat carrier.

I'd been in the carrier for quite a while so I was very scared and quite uncomfortable when I arrived. I didn't know what had happened to me and was upset that my owner had left me. However all the staff and volunteers at the Centre have been very nice to me and it made me feel much more confident.

Because I'm an adult cat and not a kitten nobody has really been interested in me. There's so many kittens that I think people forget that me, and the other adult cats, are also looking for homes. It's quite disheartening as every time somebody comes I think maybe it's my turn. But it never is.

I might take a little bit of time to get used to a new home, I'm not going to lie, because these last couple of months have been very hard on me. But once I get to know you I'll be your best friend! I want to trust people, it just takes me a little bit longer than it takes the kittens.

I also have very unusual green eyes - does that count for something? :)

Please come and see me, and maybe give me some fuss?

Bernadette xxx

Our lovely boys

Rocky

Hi everybody, my name is Rocky and I am what the staff call a crossbreed! I started off my time with the RSPCA at the Leicester Centre. They were very nice to me there but I just couldn't seem to get a home so they decided to move me to the Derby Centre. I like all the people here - especially the dog walkers! But I'm still struggling to find a home. I like people a lot and would love to live with a family. I get on well with most dogs - my only downfall is that I'm not a big fan of cats I'm afraid!

My favourite things are going for walks with my best friend Chloe (she's looking for a home too!) and playing with the staff in the yard. I promise that I'll be a great companion if you take me home with you. As much as I love the people who look after me, I really am fed up of being in a kennel now and would really like to go to a new home. What do you think? Am I the dog for you?

Maxwell

Hello everybody, my name is Maxwell. I'm a bit old to be stuck in a kennel really - I'm about 10 years old (I sometimes forget a little bit in my old age!) and I would really like to be in a home with lots of treats, warm comfy beds and love. It's okay here - I get fed, my skin is looking lots better now it's been treated, my fur is growing back and I get to have cuddles in the dog yard with lots of people. But it's not the same as having a home of my own.

I know most people might just consider the younger models around me, but please think about giving me a nice home too. I've been around too long now to be bothered by things like other dogs and cats so I should fit in well in most homes! Why don't you come and meet me and see what you think?

Ace

I'm Ace and really, I match up to my name don't I? My last owner tied me up and left me so I don't really want to have to go through that again. It was quite stressful, even though the Inspector who found me was very nice to me and gave me lots of love. 

I have to be honest - I don't really like other animals. I was never taught to get along with them you see, so they just irritate me. I wouldn't like to live with any dogs or cats - but if you're looking for an only dog I'm the one for you! I'm not all that old so I have been told that I'm still a bit bouncy. Perhaps really young children wouldn't be right for me because I like them a lot but I wouldn't want to push them over when I got excited. If you've got children who are a bit older though and can take me on walks and play ball with me in the garden that would be great! 

I really am a 'people' dog. I'll greet anybody with a kiss because I really do think people are amazing. I know the last owner I put my trust in left me, but I don't think all people are like that. And I'll keep loving everybody until somebody loves me back.

Chinook

Have you had a husky before? Yes? Then why don't you come and look at me! I'm now available for adoption and just looking for the right person to take me home. The truth is, I am quite a large dog and I'm heard that us huskies can take quite a bit of training so we're best to go with somebody who has experience of all that really. 

I may be 6 but you'd never know! I love to play and my coat looks fab (if I do say so myself...). What do you reckon?

Scrappy

Hi! I'm Scrappy! The staff named me that as I've got lots and lots of energy. I need somebody who can take me on lots of walks and give me training to keep me occupied. I haven't had very much training at all in the past so I'd really like to have some in my new home please! I'm getting training at the Centre and i'm understanding more and more every day. I'm a very friendly dog though and the staff said they were surprised at how well I walked on my lead. I was very good and waited at roads when I was told to.

I like nothing more than a back rub and if you've had experience of owning strong dogs in the past I could be perfect for you :)

Can you give any of our lovely boys a home? Please pop down and meet them :)

Kittens, Kittens, Everywhere!

Hi Guys,

Firstly - I'm sorry it's been so long since one of my furry friends has posted on here! We've all been so busy playing and trying to get ourselves homes that it just slipped our minds.

Anyway, my name is Joseph and I'm 11 weeks old.

I was brought into the Centre with my best friend Jodie after we were found dumped in a hedge :( Unfortunately, the staff have told me that it's not uncommon for that to happen. We don't know what we did wrong, or why it happened to us, but at least we're being well looked after now. 

Apparently we're in a part of the year called 'Kitten Season' where lots of kittens like me are born. This year even more kittens than usual are being born because people aren't getting their cats neutered. Because of this lots of cats are having babies, like me, and there aren't enough homes for us all. That means that lots of us end up getting left behind. Now, I don't know too much about this neutering business (apparently I'm too young at the moment) but if it stops kittens like me being unwanted and getting abandoned then I think it's a great idea!

It wasn't nice at all, being abandoned, and I'm just thankful that somebody found us and told an Inspector. I'm sharing a cat pod with Jodie and another kitten called Georgia. She told me that she was dumped in a box with her mum, who was pregnant again, and her brother Hector. Like me, she was shy when she arrived because of what she had been through. Luckily the nice people who found her called the Inspectors and they came to rescue them. I'm very grateful because otherwise who knows what would have happened to my friend Georgia??

What I'm trying to say is, from what I've heard neutering is very very important...please neuter your cats if they aren't already neutered. It really is for the best and then there might be enough homes for all the cats out there! And if you are thinking of adding a cat or kitten to your family, why don't you come down to the rescue Centre? Everybody here really needs a home!

Also...if it wouldn't be too much trouble...I'm looking for a home of my own. Can you help me? I'd be very grateful if you'd consider rehoming me with Jodie as well. We've been through so much together and we'd really like to grow old together now :)

Lots of love,

Joseph xxxx

Hi guys Eric here,

Gosh I wish I had wrists big enough for one of these i would deffinately get myself one!!!

If you would like to support us and purchase one of our fantastic blue Derby and district bands come on down quick they are literaly "flying" out the door.

 

Eric - Available for adoption.