Cat Desexing Program
A Subsidised Cat Desexing and Microchip Program is being offered to eligible residents of the Towong Shire to support people who care for semi-owned and unowned cats and help them take full ownership of these cats.
Cats can breed from as young as four months of age and have up to three litters a year. Many cats breed accidently because their owners don’t desex them early enough, or at all.
A female cat does not need to have a litter before being desexed. In fact, there are no benefits to allowing a female cat to breed prior to desexing.
Most cats can be safely desexed at three months of age. Desexing cats before they become sexually mature (around four months of age) is the best way to prevent unwanted litters and ensure their long-term health and wellbeing.
Are you eligible for the subsidy?
If you have a semi-owned cat and wish to take full ownership, this program provides a 50% subsidy for desexing and free microchipping for all residents. Additionally, residents with eligible concession cards can receive an 80% subsidy for desexing, along with free microchipping.
- Pension
- Health Care
- Low Income Health Care
- Commonwealth Seniors Health
- Veterans Affairs Card
To be eligible your cat must be registered with Towong Shire Council, click the button below to find out more about registering your pet.
How to apply for the subsidy?
Please fill out the form below and hand it into one of our Council offices in Corryong or Tallangatta. If you would like to email it through, please email it to info@towong.vic.gov.au. Once we receive your enquiry, our Rangers will get in touch with you to assess your eligibility. If you're approved, you'll receive an authority letter from Towong Shire Council, which you can take to the participating vets.
What are the benefits of desexing?
- Prevents unwanted litters. Desexing helps reduce stray cat populations and eases the burden on local shelters, which often struggle to take care of an overwhelming number of cats and kittens.
- Reduces nuisance behaviours. Desexed cats are less likely to roam, spray or mark territory, show aggression, and attempt to escape.
- Reduces health risks. Early age desexing lowers the risk of certain health problems later in life.
- Improves cat safety. Desexed cats are less likely to wander away from home, reducing their risk of getting lost, being hit by a car, or being injured by other animals or people.
Where can I desex my cat?
The following vets are participating in the Towong Shire Council cat desexing program:
- Corryong Veterinary Services
- Tallangatta Veterinary Clinic
- Walwa Veterinary Practice
What is a semi-owned, and why are they challenging to manage?
Semi-owned cats are fed or provided with other care by people who. do not consider they own them. Semi-owned and unowned cats, often referred to as stray cats, are the most challenging to manage. Unlike owned cats, they lack a consistent, responsible caregivers, leading to numerous issues affecting both the cats and the environments they inhabit.
Why is cat overpopulation a problem?
Cat overpopulation occurs when the number of stray cats grows rapidly due to uncontrolled breeding, often leading to more cats than can be rehomed. This creates challenges in managing their health and welfare.
What should I do if I find a stray cat?
If you find a stray cat, take it to a vet to check if it has an owner. If none is found, consider desexing, microchipping, registering, and giving it a home. If you can't do this, contact your local council for assistance.
