A NEW scheme is encouraging cat owners across Gwent to get their pets neutered and microchipped.

The Wales Cat Neutering and Microchipping Project is a partnership by RSPCA Cymru and Cats Protection, aiming to encourage cat owners to neuter and microchip their pets.

More than 100 vets across Wales have signed up to the scheme, which is available to cat owners who are in receipt of benefits or on a low income in Wales.

Owner will only have to pay £5 for their cat to be neutered and microchipped

RSPCA Cymru’s national welfare manager, Coralie Farren, said: “Neutering cats is important as it can help prevent illnesses and reduce the number of unwanted kittens.

“Spaying or snipping your cat is a straightforward procedure, which prevents unwanted pregnancies in female cats and can help reduce fighting and roaming of male cats.

“Repeated breeding and fighting is unhealthy for cats and can increase the risk of disease, while microchipping is really important if a cat becomes lost or injured.”

Neutering manager for Cat’s Protection, Jane Clements, said: “Neutering is such an important decision, which cat owners sometimes fail to make before their female cat has an unexpected litter of kittens."

“This is because Many people don’t realise that kittens can reach puberty at four months of age. Female cats do not need to have a litter before they are spayed, and males can also be snipped at four months old.”

Those interested in taking part in the scheme can find out more by visiting: RSPCA.cymru/neutering or phoning: 03000 121212.