Across Oxfordshire and the UK, animal welfare charities are facing a growing crisis: a dramatic surge in unwanted cats and kittens is overwhelming rescue centres, foster homes, and even private boarding facilities. The root cause? Too many cats are not being neutered, leading to an explosion in stray and abandoned animals.
The Scale of the Problem
RSPCA centres are full to bursting. Hundreds of cats are now being housed in private boarding facilities at significant cost, simply because there’s no space left in rescue centres.
In early 2024 alone, there was a 37% increase in cats on waiting lists compared to the previous summer.
Abandonment cases have risen by over 30% in the first seven months of 2024, according to Cats Protection.
Just one unneutered female cat can be responsible for up to 20,000 descendants in five years.
Over seven years, that number could rise to a staggering 370,000 kittens.
Why Neutering Matters
Neutering is the most effective way to:
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Prevent unwanted litters – Cats can get pregnant as early as four months old, and may have multiple litters per year. Each litter typically includes four to six kittens.
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Reduce the number of strays – Fewer unwanted litters means fewer cats ending up on the streets or in shelters.
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Protect your cat’s health – Neutered cats are less likely to develop certain cancers and infections. For instance, spaying a female before her first heat can significantly reduce the risk of mammary tumours – 90% of which are malignant.
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Improve behaviour – Neutering can reduce roaming, fighting, spraying and the stress associated with mating.
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Support public health and the environment – Fewer strays means reduced disease transmission and less impact on local wildlife.
When Should Cats Be Neutered?
The current best practice is to neuter kittens at four months old. Scientific research confirms this is safe, with no negative impact on welfare or weight gain compared to waiting until six months.
Yet despite the evidence, only 4% of UK cat owners neuter their pets at or before four months. Misunderstandings and outdated myths are often to blame.
Common Myths Debunked
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“It’s cruel to neuter young” – In fact, kittens recover quickly, and the procedure is safe at four months.
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“Kittens can’t get pregnant until six months” – Many can conceive from four months old, leading to accidental litters.
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“Neutering will change my cat’s personality” – Neutering may calm some behaviours, but it won’t negatively affect your cat’s character.
The Cost of Not Neutering
Animal charities are stretched to breaking point. In January 2024, the RSPCA spent over £12,800 per week just to board cats that couldn’t be housed in their own centres.
There are an estimated 600,000 unneutered cats in the UK, fuelling a homeless cat population of 1.1 million.
Help with Neutering Costs in Oxfordshire
RSPCA Oxfordshire can help.
If you live in Oxfordshire and receive means-tested benefits (such as Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, Income Support or ESA), you can apply for financial support towards the cost of neutering.
Vouchers are available for:
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£25 for a female cat
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£15 for a male cat
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+£10 towards microchipping
To apply, email welfare@rspcaoxford.org.uk or call 07887 475401 (Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm).
Act Now
If you own a cat or kitten, please don’t delay:
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Book a neutering appointment – ideally by the time your cat is four months old.
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Apply for financial support if you’re eligible.
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Share this message with other cat owners and help us tackle the crisis together.
By neutering your cat, you’re protecting their health, preventing suffering, and helping to solve Oxfordshire’s cat crisis – one responsible owner at a time.
