Cats in need: castration campaign should save street cats!

Cats in need: castration campaign should save street cats!

in Koblenz and the surrounding region are currently an important sign of cat protection. They offer financial support for the castration of cats to stop the excessive increase in street cats. The campaign that started on Monday runs until January 26, 2025 and aims to reduce the estimated two million street cats in Germany, many of which suffer from hunger and illnesses, such as merkurist.de reported.

The grants can be up to 150 euros, which relieves the castration costs, which also amount to up to 150 euros. During the defined castration weeks, cat owners receive up to 20 percent of the fees or fixed amounts, with 80 euros for cats and 50 euros for hangover in the Ahrweiler district. The costs must first be borne by the animal owners themselves, and the animals must be registered and chipped. After the castration, the owners can submit a certificate to the Animal Welfare Association to get part of the veterinarian costs, such as daily news.

The background of this initiative are alarming. According to the German Animal Welfare Association, many street cats suffer from serious health problems, which often result from improper castration or from life in harsh conditions. Untreated diseases and dangers from road traffic not only reduce the quality of life of these animals, but also their life expectancy, which is significantly lower than that of domestic cats. A major challenge remains the high death rate for kittens, of which up to 75 percent until the age of six months does not survive, as a study shows and Vetline.de reported.

In many regions, including Koblenz, there is already a castration obligation for free-range cats, which also includes entry in the pet register and microchip identification. Despite these regulations, there is still a major problem with the overpopulation, which has further exacerbated by the Corona pandemic. Increase in street cat populations and an increased exposure to animals are just a few of the challenges with which animal welfare associations are faced.

participation and reimbursements

Participation in the campaign is not only limited to Koblenz. Other cities such as Lahnstein, Bendorf and the surrounding associations also benefit from the grants. Animal shelters, such as in Remagen, have published information about the participating veterinary practices. Nevertheless, some facilities, such as the Neuwied animal shelter, do not take part in this action due to a lack of capacity.

pet owners who want to benefit from this support are encouraged to contact local animal welfare associations or veterinary practices in order to learn more about possible reimbursements. This initiative ensures that the protection of the cats in the region is strengthened and that the suffering animals receive the necessary help to improve their living conditions.