Cat owners take up offer

Susan McNair can attest to the power of the media to get a message out.

Two weeks ago she sought publicity for the Kelson-based Kitten Inn, which was offering a gold coin neutering service.

McNair could not understand why so few owners had taken up the offer.

‘‘I can’t understand why people are not taking advantage (of her offer), a gold coin, that is less then a cup of coffee.’’

Her aim was to neuter 500 males.

Publicity resulted in a rush of owners coming forward.

‘‘We were inundated, we went from 23 to about 150 and they just kept coming in.’’

Wellington vet Alan Probert oversaw the neutering at a Petone clinic and two more clinics are planned for November 6 and December 4.

The mass neutering had a funny side to it.

‘‘We put a picture up on our Facebook page of all the bowls of testicles. People were a bit confused as to what they were. One lady asked if they were plum stones.‘‘

Although people often ask if the best way to keep kitten numbers down is to spay or neuter, she said it made no difference.

‘‘It does not matter because you can have one male who can impregnate dozens of females or you can get a female that keeps getting pregnant.’’