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ONE cat and her offspring have the potential to produce 40,000 cats in just three years. It’s a frightening statistic and one the RSPCA Warrnambool shelter wants to get into the public’s head to highlight the cat overpopulation crisis and encourage owners to get their cats desexed. RSPCA Warrnambool shelter manager Tracey Scott said the astounding reproduction capacity was because female cats had three breeding seasons in one year. Nearly 550 stray cats were admitted to the Warrnambool shelter last year but only 13 were reclaimed. Ms Scott hopes the shelter’s distribution of vouchers for free cat desexing will help curb the number of unwanted kittens and cats. “It is essential to have your cat desexed as it dramatically reduces the problem of unwanted kittens and can also result in positive behavioural changes,” Ms Scott said. “A desexed cat is less prone to wander, fight with other cats and is less likely to mark its territory by spraying in the house. “As responsible pet owners, we must also play our part in alleviating this serious problem and cat owners can do this by simply having their cat microchipped and desexed,” Ms Scott said. RSPCA Warrnambool animal handler Janita McLeod said cats were the largest number of animals admitted to the shelter. Mrs McLeod said the festive season was the peak time because people were going away for holidays and it was one of the times when cats gave birth. A limited number of vouchers for free desexing and microchipping of cats are available from RSPCA Warrnambool at 23 Braithwaite Street. The offer is only valid to concession or health care cardholders, who must present their card.

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