The RSPCA receives thousands of unwanted, abandoned and stray cats and dogs each year. The majority of these animals are the result of uncontrolled breeding and, unfortunately, many must be euthanased because homes cannot be found for them.

Cats and dogs start their reproductive lives at a very young age, and throughout their lifetime can potentially deliver many litters of offspring. It has been mathematically calculated that in just seven years, one female cat and her young can produce as many as 420,000 cats! This problem underlines the importance of desexing pets at an early age and reducing the number of unwanted animals in our communities.

In addition to preventing unwanted litters, desexing may result, in varying degrees, to a positive behavioural change in your pet. A desexed pet is less likely to:

• Wander, run away or get into fights. This reduces injuries such as abscesses, car injuries and infected wounds;
• Suffer from anti-social behaviour;
• Spray and mark its territory.

Desexing your pet can be done as young as eight weeks old. The operation can only be carried out by a vet and is a reasonably straightforward procedure, causing minimal discomfort to the animal.

Some RSPCA Veterinary Clinics offer desexing at a discounted rate. To check whether this service is available please contact your local state or territory RSPCA.