Cuddling tiny and ridiculously cute ISPCA puppies and kittens… surely there’s no better way to spend a Wednesday afternoon?!
Well, that’s exactly what I did yesterday when I joined fellow animal lovers, comedian PJ Gallagher and TV vet Pete Wedderburn, for the launch of the ISPCA’s new SpayAware campaign.
This important campaign aims to urge pet owners to do their part by spaying or neutering their pets to help reduce the high number of unwanted cats and dogs in Ireland.
ISPCA CEO Dr Andrew Kelly said: “We are urging pet owners to spay or neuter their pets as early as possible to prevent unwanted litters of kittens and puppies. The procedure brings many positive health benefits which includes reducing the risk of certain cancers, curbing unwanted sexual behaviour and preventing unwanted offspring. In nearly all cases, spaying or neutering is best for your pet and the ISPCA is encouraging all pet owners to contact their local vet for advice and to discuss the positive benefits for their pets. Don’t wait until it’s too late, go to your vet and get it done now”.
Some facts about the positive benefits of Spaying or Neutering your pets.
- Neutering is a procedure where males are castrated meaning removing the testicles preventing the risk of testicular cancer. In male dogs and cats, neutering can reduce urine marking, roaming, preventing illness and some unwanted behaviours. The procedure is very simple and completed under anaesthetic and the recovery time is usually quick. Your cat or dog will need to be dropped off at the vets, and picked up again later that same day.
- Spaying is a procedure under anaesthetic where the womb and the ovaries are removed preventing uterus infections and cancers. Animal usually recover quickly. It’s a myth that your pets will gain weight and your local veterinary practitioner will provide advice on a suitable diet to suit the breed and size of your pet.
- Neutering & Spaying can reduce the risk of them being stolen for breeding.
- Spaying prevents females coming into season, when they may attract unwanted male attention and become pregnant.
- When your female cat is about four-months-old, she will start to attract the attention of male cats. This is why Spaying is important at four-months old to protect her from getting pregnant while she’s still a kitten herself.
- Neutering can stop male cats from spraying in your house marking his territory, which can be foul smelling. Neutering tends to prevent wandering so helping male cats stay closer to home and less likely to getting nasty injuries from fighting between male cats over a female.
- Talk to your vet who will assess your cat and dog to help you weigh up the benefits of spaying or neutering in relation to your pet’s individual health and circumstances.
As part of the SpayAware campaign, the ISPCA is also asking people who are thinking about getting a pet to give abandoned animals a chance by adopting a cat or dog from a rescue shelter run by the ISPCA or other animal welfare charity.
And who could resist this little guy? Eight-week old Cliff is looking for a loving family and his forever home…
