Neutering your cat

Why neuter

• No unplanned kittens. One female can have several litters a year.
• Less roaming and fighting, so less chance of getting lost, hurt or hit by a car.
• Less spraying and yowling, and lower risk of some cancers and infections.

When

Vets in Malta commonly neuter from about 6 months, and international veterinary guidance supports doing it by 5 months, before a first season. Book early and ask your vet.

On the day

• Your vet will tell you when to stop food. Most cats go home the same day.
• Keep them quiet indoors for a few days and stop them licking the wound.
• You can microchip at the same visit. More on microchipping.

Free neutering for stray and colony cats

The government runs a free neutering campaign for stray and colony cats. Feeders trap them, a partner clinic neuters and chips them, and they go back with a clipped ear tip.

• How: call 2292 4999 (Monday to Friday, 7am to 3pm) or email neutering.mafa@gov.mt. Some local councils also give feeders neutering vouchers.
• Gozo: the Animal Welfare Section on 7969 1717.
• Feeding strays in public needs council registration. See the rules for feeders.
• Need a trap, help trapping or a lift to the vet? Ask the helpers near you.