National animal welfare charity Companion Animal Network Australia (Australia CAN or CANA) is advocating for desexing, adoption and support amid a surge in surrenders of kitten and cats that are ‘no longer wanted’.
“We are seeing a large spike in cats and kittens being relinquished to our member shelters around the country, intensifying the stress they are already experiencing,” Australia CAN CEO Trish Ennis said.
“The increase in the numbers of unwanted kittens is a result of cats breeding all year round due to warmer weather. We are urging people to desex their pets, consider adoption and support animal welfare charities so they can continue to help save lives.”
Australia CAN members that rescue cats and companion animals are Sydney Dogs and Cats Home (NSW), Animal Welfare League Queensland (AWLQ), Animal Welfare League South Australia (AWL SA), Saving Animals From Euthanasia (SAFE) Inc (WA) and Lort Smith Animal Hospital (VIC). (Member Dogs’ Homes of Tasmania only rescues dogs.)
According to data consolidated from the five members of Australia CAN in February 2024, there’s already a 48 per cent increase in cat and kitten surrenders nationally compared to the same time period last year.
In February 2024 alone, 42 per cent of cats surrendered to the five members were due to “no longer being wanted”—with 84 per cent relating to kittens. Other reasons for surrender that month include financial, owner medical, renting issues, and change in circumstances.
The number of cats and kittens ending up in shelters sends a strong message about the importance of desexing.
“Unwanted litters places significant strain on rescue organisations and shelters, many of which are already operating at full capacity and unable to accommodate all animals in need,” Ennis said.
“The most effective method to curb the overpopulation of stray cats (and dogs) is through desexing.”
