Desexing your cat reduces territorial behaviour, helps control its urge to wander, reduces the likelihood of cancer and other diseases of the reproductive organs, increases the likelihood of a longer life and eliminates unwanted litters of kittens. It is mandatory in South Australia.
All cats born after the 1 July 2018 must be desexed by a registered veterinary surgeon:
- before it is 6 months of age; or
- within 28 days after the owner takes possession of the cat; or
- if the owner of a cat is granted an extension of time, before the day specified in the exemption.
Dr Julie Bellamy, the Animal Welfare League's cat expert has debunked the myths about cat desexing and explains it has many health benefits >>learn more<<
Exemptions
Cats who meet the following criteria do not need to be desexed.
- Cats born before the 1 July 2018.
- Cats belonging to Feline Association of South Australia (FASA) or Cat Fancy of SA members.
- Cats belonging to breeders who are registered as breeders in Dogs and Cats Online.
Vets may grant an exemption from the requirement to desex a cat if:
- the procedure poses an undue risk to the health of the cat or;
- it will adversely affect the cat’s growth, development or wellbeing.
Speak to your vet if you have concerns about desexing your cat.
Discount desexing
Some councils partner with the National Desexing Network to offer low-cost cat desexing to concession card holders or low income families. Ask your council's dog and cat officer if they are involved in the program.