Get your cat neutered for £5 to tackle 'explosion' of kittens born during coronavirus lockdown in Northampton

Cat owners in Northampton can have their pets neutered for just £5 as part of a charity's campaign to tackle the worrying rise in kittens born during the coronavirus lockdown.

The Northampton branch of Cats Protection is offering vet vouchers for neutering and spaying as cats as young as four-months-old can give birth.

"There has been an explosion of kittens being born due to the Covid-19 crisis and vets having to shut down," Diana Johnson, from the group, said.

"We're trying to help society to help cats and help people with no money who are lumbered with five kittens as they couldn't get to the vets in time."

Female cats can come into heat every two to three weeks and have up to 18 kittens a year, even with their siblings, according to Cats Protection.

Moggies also do not need a litter before being spayed and vets recommend neutering them as soon as possible.

The charity said the price of the operation varies depending on the vets but the average cost to get a male cat neutered is around £40-£80 and £50-£100 for females.

From Saturday (August 1), cat owners in postcodes NN1-7 and NN11-12 can get a £5 voucher from the charity, which covers the costs of neutering for a healthy cat.

Owners may have to pay for pain relief for females and any additional costs that may arise before, during or after surgery.

A participating vets will be assigned to the voucher based on where the owner lives for them to contact to arrange the surgery, quoting the reference number.

It is important to take both copies of the voucher to the vets and the £5 is paid to them, not the charity.

Vouchers are available for more than one cat per household and will be valid until December 31, 2020 - the scheme will last for as long as the charity can afford it.

Diana added that there may be a delay in receiving vouchers due to the sheer volume of requests so she asked applicants to be patient.

To get a voucher or find out more information, call the charity on 0344 700 3251, email [email protected] or visit cats.org.uk/northampton.