THE Port Macquarie branch of the RSPCA is appealing for volunteer foster carers to cope with the annual summer explosion in the number of kittens in care.
An RSPCA spokesperson said the organisation was experiencing a state-wide increase in the amount of kittens being brought into shelters with the onset of cat breeding season due to the warmer weather.
“We are putting an urgent call out to the Port Macquarie community to open their hearts, and their homes and become an RSPCA foster carer this festive season,” Port Macquarie animal attendant Jo Snell said.
“State-wide, we have already experienced a 306 per cent jump in incoming kittens between September and October and the numbers continue to rise as the weather gets warmer.”
The RSPCA would also like to remind people not to buy pets as Christmas presents without making sure the person wants the pet and has a house and yard suitable for the pet in question.
“You can buy a gift voucher from us to give instead, which we find is a much better option as the people can choose the pet for themselves and it gives them the time and opportunity to think about taking on the responsibility of a pet,” Ms Snell said.
On a brighter note, she said the discarding of unwanted pets was declining in Port Macquarie, with the RSPCA’s much publicised catchcry – Pets are for life – partially credited for the improvement.
“At the moment we only have about six dogs in and can take 10, so we’re not full up, although we are overflowing with kittens,” she said.
The RSPCA is also encouraging pet lovers to think of giving a homeless animal a home when buying pets.
“While you might see an animal advertised as ‘free’ in the newspaper, in reality it can cost you a lot by the time you add in vaccinations and desexing, so our prices are very reasonable,” Ms Snell said.
“You also have the confidence of knowing your dog or cat has had a health check and behavioural assessment.”
Kittens cost $140 and adult cats range from $50 to $100 depending on age. Puppies cost $370. The price includes vaccination, desexing and microchipping. Visit www.adoptapet.com.au to see pets available at the Port Macquarie RSPCA and other branches throughout Australia.
The Port Macquarie branch is located at 10 Karungi Crescent, phone 6581 0380. Opening hours are 10am-3.30pm Wednesday to Monday, excluding public holidays. .
For more information about becoming a foster carer you can also visit http://www.rspcansw.org.au/get-involved/become-a-foster-carer
