The Cat Protection Society of Victoria (CPSV) has launched a campaign urging local councils to mandate cat desexing in an effort to reduce overpopulation and ease pressure on shelters across the state.

The ‘Fix the Future’ campaign seeks public support through donations and a petition advocating for compulsory desexing in all Victorian local councils. Currently, only nine councils require cat desexing, unlike Tasmania, South Australia, Western Australia, and the ACT, where it is mandatory.

CPSV desexed more than 2,440 cats and kittens in 2024, including nearly 1,300 females. The organisation aims to increase that number by 1,250 in 2025 to prevent the birth of up to 18 million kittens. To achieve this, CPSV is seeking $100,000 in funding, with each procedure costing a minimum of $80.

Rachel Bitzilis, Marketing, Communications and Fundraising Manager at CPSV, said shelters across Victoria have been overwhelmed with kittens in recent months.

“We are fortunate to have had the capacity and resources to provide kittens with the care they need. However, this isn’t the case for everyone. The heartbreaking reality is that some of these kittens are euthanised simply because there is no other option.”

Bitzilis highlighted the story of Trevor, a six-week-old kitten abandoned at the shelter in 2024. “He was cold, hungry and in a terrible state with injuries. Despite a terrible start to life, Trevor not only survived but thrived under our care where he was able to find a foster home and blossom into a playful, cheeky kitten,” she said.

She also pointed to a recent case where a community member found an abandoned cat, Mariah, with her kitten but was turned away by a full shelter.

“Barely an adult herself, Mariah was caring for a three-month-old kitten while already pregnant again, which is a heartbreaking reminder of how fast cats can reproduce,” Bitzilis said.

Cats can breed as early as four months, yet many remain undesexed, leading to unplanned litters. Bitzilis said CPSV supports the Victorian Government’s Cat Management Strategy but believes more urgent action is needed.

“With cat overpopulation continuing to grow, stronger measures must be introduced to ensure widespread and effective desexing policies across the state. By signing our Desex to Protect: A Council Call to Action Campaign, Victorians are adding their voice to a powerful movement pushing for change.”

She added that all donations to CPSV would go directly towards desexing more cats to prevent suffering.

“With the support of Victorian cat lovers, we can ensure that every cat, like Trevor and Mariah, receives the care they deserve,” she said.

To stay up to date on the latest industry headlines, sign up to the Pet Industry News e-newsletter.