Cat overpopulation is a growing issue across Australia. Every year, tens of thousands of unwanted kittens are born, and sadly, many of them end up in shelters, or worse, living on the streets. With the ability to reproduce from as young as four months old, a single female cat can be responsible for producing hundreds of kittens in just a few years if not desexed.
This overpopulation puts immense strain on shelters, rescue groups, veterinary services, and local councils. It also leads to higher rates of disease among stray cats, increased wildlife predation, and community concerns such as noise complaints and property damage. One of the most effective and humane ways to address this crisis is through widespread desexing.
What Is Desexing and Why Is It Important?
Desexing (also known as spaying or neutering) is a surgical procedure performed by a vet to remove a cat’s reproductive organs. It’s a routine operation, and in most cases, cats recover quickly with minimal complications. But the benefits of desexing extend far beyond just preventing unwanted litters. Desexing also helps reduce unwanted behaviours and health risks, making it a smart choice for pet owners and the broader community alike.
Benefits of Desexing Cats
Desexing your cat offers a wide range of advantages, both for individual pets and the community:
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Prevents Unplanned Litters: The most obvious benefit, desexing stops cats from reproducing and contributing to overpopulation.
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Improves Behaviour: Desexed cats are less likely to roam, spray, or act aggressively, especially males. This makes them easier to manage as pets.
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Reduces Health Risks: Desexed cats have a lower risk of reproductive cancers and infections such as pyometra.
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Increases Lifespan: Studies show that desexed cats tend to live longer, healthier lives.
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Reduces Strain on Shelters: With fewer unwanted kittens being born, shelters and rescues can focus their resources on helping animals in real need.
Desexing in Victoria: What’s the Law?
Unlike some other Australian states and territories, Victoria does not currently require cat desexing in all local council areas. As of 2025, only nine councils in Victoria have made cat desexing mandatory. By comparison, places like Tasmania, South Australia, Western Australia, and the ACT have adopted compulsory desexing laws, helping to significantly reduce the number of unwanted cats. The lack of consistency in Victoria has made it harder to manage cat populations effectively. That’s why animal welfare groups are now calling for action.
The Fix the Future Campaign
The Cat Protection Society of Victoria (CPSV) is leading the charge with their “Fix the Future” campaign. The goal is to make desexing compulsory across all Victorian councils and increase funding for low-cost desexing programs. In 2024 alone, CPSV desexed over 2,440 cats and kittens, including nearly 1,300 females. Their target for 2025 is even more ambitious: an additional 1,250 desexings, potentially preventing the birth of up to 18 million kittens.
To reach this goal, CPSV is seeking $100,000 in funding. With each procedure costing at least $80, every dollar counts. The campaign is also encouraging people to sign a petition and contact their local councils to advocate for stronger desexing laws.
The Impact of Undesexed Cats on Wildlife and the Environment
Desexing also plays a critical role in protecting native wildlife. Australia’s cats, especially feral and stray populations, are responsible for the deaths of millions of native animals each day. By reducing the number of free-roaming, breeding cats, we can help protect endangered species and preserve our environment.
Uncontrolled cat populations are also linked to:
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The spread of diseases such as toxoplasmosis
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Nuisance behaviours like fighting, yowling, and spraying
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Increased injuries due to road accidents or territorial fights
Desexing not only benefits the cats themselves but also helps protect other animals and improve community wellbeing.
Why Early Desexing Is Key
Many pet owners are surprised to learn that kittens can be desexed as early as 8–12 weeks of age, well before they reach sexual maturity at around four months. Early-age desexing is safe and effective and is commonly practised by shelters and veterinary clinics across Australia.
Waiting too long can result in accidental litters, especially in households with multiple cats or in outdoor-access homes. By scheduling desexing before four months of age, pet owners can ensure their cats never contribute to the cycle of overpopulation.
How You Can Make a Difference
Whether you’re a cat owner, animal lover, or local business, there are several ways you can support desexing efforts:
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Desex your own cat: Book the procedure before your cat reaches four months old.
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Adopt from shelters: Most rescue groups include desexing in the adoption fee.
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Educate others: Share information with friends, neighbours, and family about the importance of desexing.
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Support local campaigns: Donate to organisations like CPSV or sign petitions calling for stronger desexing laws.
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Encourage councils to act: Contact your local government representatives to support mandatory desexing in your area.
Desexing Saves Lives
Desexing is a vital part of responsible pet ownership and an essential solution to the cat overpopulation crisis in Australia. By preventing unplanned litters, reducing pressure on shelters, and improving the health and behaviour of cats, desexing benefits everyone - humans, animals, and the environment alike.
Supporting campaigns like Fix the Future and advocating for stronger desexing laws in your local area can help create lasting change. Together, we can reduce cat overpopulation and give every feline a safer, healthier future.
