FOREST of Dean Cats Protection is having a neutering campaign from 12th October to 30th November.

Anyone on benefits or low income in the post codes GL14–17, NP16, 25 and 26 and HR9 can ring the helpline on 841511 and ask for a neutering voucher with a contribution of just £5.

For male cats the benefits of neutering are obvious. An unneutered tom cat is likely to smell and be unwelcome indoors. He is also likely to have a circular territory of 3 miles in which he will search for unneutered females. In the process he will cross roads, meet cat unfriendly people, get thin and hungry and have fights with other male cats.

The transformation in a tom cat’s temperament when neutered is dramatic. From a very angry, aggressive animal emerges a friendly, knee-sitting cat who likes other cats and his home.

If a female is neutered, she is saved from having to defend and provide for kittens. An unneutered female can have up to 18 kittens a year and this reproductive rate takes its toll on her health and is an economic stress for her owner.

For more information, ring the confidential helpline on 01594 841511.