Julie’s Animal Refuge in conjunction with the Majorie Gray Animal Protection Trust are urging people in the area to de-sex their cats and kittens ahead of the upcoming kitten season.

Their campaign will run from the throughout August and will allow people to have their cats de-sexed for only $20.00.

This offer helps to prevent the dumping of unwanted kittens, and free kitten advertisements, which just perpetuate the problem.

To take them up on this offer, call Julie's Animal Refuge on 09 422 3322 from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. on weekdays, and you will receive a voucher number that can be redeemed at a number of vet clinics in the area.

Julie’s Animal Refuge are able to do this thanks to the Marjorie Gray Trust. The trust has given a lot of assistance to the community by de-sexing many animals over the years and providing help and support to Julie’s Animal Refuge. 

A well-fed kitten in a domestic setting can mature and fall pregnant as young as 6 months’ old and can have up to 12 kittens in a litter. A cat to have up to five litters in a year, which can result in huge populations of abandoned and feral cats roaming the country.

Desexing and responsible pet ownership are the only ways to address the cause of unwanted animals being born, of being neglected and the continued cycle of unwanted litters.

Each year, New Zealand shelters receive about 9,000 cats and 11,000 kittens, who have no other place to go. Help keep this number under control, and get your cat fixed.