Petmania urges cat owners to be mindful during busy kitten season

Ireland’s Pet Experts Petmania is urging cat owners to be responsible this kitten season and neuter their cats to help ease pressure on cat rescue centres nationwide.

Petmania stores across Ireland will see rescue centres visiting stores across Ireland and in Roscommon on Friday, June 2 where pet-owners and potential cat families can meet volunteers and find out more about how they can give a cat or kitten in need their forever home.

May is typically the start of what is known as ‘kitten season’, which runs until September, when many families across the country will be greeted with unexpected, and often unwanted litters of kittens that require rehoming and result in increased strain on local rescue centres.

Speaking about this month’s campaign, Petmania’s spokesperson and feline-friend Emily Miller, said:

"Here at Petmania we know that having a cat in your life can lead to many questions from wondering what to feed your kitten, when to get them neutered and everything else that you will encounter over your cat’s potential twenty years. This month we are celebrating all things feline and are delighted to be teaming up with a number of local cat rescue centres across the country to help promote responsible cat care.

We want to help ease the pressures put on our cat rescue centres and are urging pet owners to neuter their cats. Having an accidental litter can be stressful, time-consuming and most importantly unfair on the cats and kittens. Neutering can also reduce the risk of cancers and other diseases.

For anyone thinking of getting a cat, or for cat-parents with questions about their cat’s health and wellbeing, our pet care experts at Petmania stores nationwide are available seven days a week to help.”

During the month of May, Petmania is celebrating all things cat and encouraging customers and other pet owners in Ireland to seek the best health care and advice when it comes to their feline friends. From instore offers on cat food and litter, to scheduled visits from local cat rescue centres, Petmania’s local communities will have the chance to meet and rescue their newest family members throughout the month.

Cats become sexually mature when they are between four to five months old. In general, owners are advised to neuter cats from six months of age but exceptions can be made to do them sooner. Local veterinarians can help advise owners on the best time for their kitten.

Research conducted recently by Petmania revealed that 67% of Irish homeowners have a pet in their family. A total of 46% of those pet owners have a cat in their home, making them the second most popular pet in Ireland after dogs.

Petmania also has a free online cat care advice centre available at www.petmania.ie which is packed with information and advice.

Petmania has 15 stores across Ireland with over 200 employees and the largest dog grooming business in the country.

For more information about Petmania, the latest advice on cat healthcare and to find your local store, visit www.petmania.ie.