One unneutered male and one unneutered female can produce up to 144 kittens in two years, according to the SPCA.
The animal charity launched its CatSnip assistance programme this year in an effort to lessen the amount of unwanted kittens on the Island.
“The programme is a low cost spay/neuter programme to help people in need of assistance with having their cat spayed or neutered as well as providing education on the importance of having your cat spayed or neutered,” says Sara Corday, development and volunteer coordinator for the SPCA.
The shelter receives many cats that are in need of homes.
Adoptable
“Cats are by far one of the largest groups of adoptable animals that we have at the shelter,” says Ms Corday. “We also get a lot of older cats that people may have to leave behind if they are leaving the island or have been lost and are stray that we take in.
“It’s important for people to recognize that older cats need a home just as much as kittens.”
Part of the programme will also be to microchip cats in an effort to help locate their owner in the event they do get lost.
“All of the cats that come through our shelter are microchipped from eight weeks old. We want to make it the norm that all cats are microchipped on the island,” Ms Corday explains.
The charity’s website also has an option for lost and found animals. A picture can be posted up on the website of animals that have been lost or found along with details of where they were lost and contact information.
Ms Corday also suggests that anyone who finds a friendly cat in their yard should ask around their neighbourhood if anyone has lost a cat. Cats can also be taken to the vet to check and see if they have been microchipped to help locate their owners.
While the shelter’s adoptable animals are majority cats, they also see many other animals.
“We see a lot of rabbits and guinea pigs on a regular basis at the shelter,” says Ms Corday. “They seem to people that they are not demanding as a cat or a dog but the upkeep with cleaning their cage and providing them with food can be very time-consuming and expensive.
“Rabbits especially are not well suited for kids despite what some people may think.”
Ms Corday advises parents to do their research before purchasing a pet for their children.
People who are looking for an animal can also visit the SPCA website and take a look at the various animals that are up for adoption.
By BermudaSun