Where have all the kittens gone?

RE: Where have all the kittens gone?

serena holmes — Tue, 20 Mar 2018 00:53:54 GMT

Most kittens I see are from those “one litter” owners, many at caesarean time...

RE: Where have all the kittens gone?

grumpyoldman — Mon, 19 Mar 2018 23:41:44 GMT

Seasonality is a big issue.

A few years ago we had a CPL scheme .they spent 180k in two post codes known to have problems with excess cat numbers .The scheme did temporarily reduce kitten numbers , it also upped the sale price and the free to good home ads disappeared from the local rag. It did nothing at all to improve the local health situation, as soon as it stopped the status quo resumed. The limiting factor in cat neutering rates was not the cost of the neutering, this was irrelevant, it was in fact getting off your arse and taking it somewhere . The most successful charities in this respect were the ones running a pick up and return service as well as applying for the vouchers on behalf of the beneficiaries who were just too lazy to do it themselves.

RE: Where have all the kittens gone?

Bob Russell — Mon, 19 Mar 2018 14:07:51 GMT

Around here (and plenty of other places I suspect) demand pushes up production by the internet sellers.

RE: Where have all the kittens gone?

Julie Innes — Mon, 19 Mar 2018 13:52:40 GMT

I'm pretty sure there will always be sufficient numbers of irresponsible owners who will allow their female cats out to get up-duffed.

And on the plus side, if there is a shortage of kittens, it might mean more people willing to rescue older cats?

RE: Where have all the kittens gone?

Neil Wheadon — Mon, 19 Mar 2018 12:36:41 GMT

[quote user="Bob Russell"]If your client wants an inbred, stunted kitten with a very large belly and a healthy flea population I can point them in the right direction. About 5 miles on the way into the city![/quote]

Which is the nugget of my argument, as these cats won't be neutered as they are an income stream. By reducing the number of 'healthy cats' which have a one off litter are we in fact doing more harm than good long term?

Neil

RE: Where have all the kittens gone?

Bob Russell — Mon, 19 Mar 2018 12:18:02 GMT

Kittens are to some degree seasonal so there is often a lull at this time of year. There are plenty of highly intellectual types breeding kittens by the score to top up their benefit payments tax-free.

If your client wants an inbred, stunted kitten with a very large belly and a healthy flea population I can point them in the right direction. About 5 miles on the way into the city!

Plenty there at about £90 a piece. Good source of fag and booze money!