2. The Cat Protection Society of NSW Caring for cats since 1958 Our vision is that every cat has a loving and responsible home Independent membership based association; depends on donations, bequests and sponsors

3. No kill, limited admission shelter; cats stay until they find their forever homes Approved premises under CAA No powers of seizure Access to CA register Purpose-built adoption centre, assist with discount and early age desexing, provide information on feline health, behaviour and welfare

4. Our facility – a quick tour (Still to come)

5. Operation Cat Program AIM: Promote cat desexing and responsible pet ownership in the community

6. How the program works Partnership between Cat Protection, local vet clinics and participating councils Councils make a financial contribution to the vet costs Typically lasts for one to two weeks and can be tailored to meet the council’s objectives & budget

7. The council’s role Contribution of $40 per desexing and $20 per microchip Advertising and promotion of program to members of the community

9. Cat Protection’s role Pick up and return service for client Provide council with logo & media release or editorial Book all desexings with clients and vets Liaise with local vets to offer a vet in the council area Invoice council at end of program

10. Costs to client Standard program price: Desex and microchip $90 female $80 male Desex only $80 female $70 male Microchip only $30

11. Does it work? Started in 1999 with Sydney City Council Have worked with Sydney City, Marrickville, Bankstown, Fairfield, Holroyd, Hawkesbury, Warringah, Randwick, Penrith, Blacktown and Wollondilly councils since 2000 Desexed over 1500 cats through the program since first developed

13. Custom made programs Can be designed for any budget Sydney City council offer a bigger incentive by subsidising Cat Protection more and offering desexing and microchipping for pension card holders for only $40 Can be run for shorter or longer periods Can be tightly targeted to a particular area in the LGA, eg a housing estate

14. Reasons to get involved Reduce unwanted kitten numbers Reduce abandoned cat numbers Promote responsible pet ownership

15. Making your own program Approach local vets about them assisting you with discount rates Use a voucher system for residents Work with known hoarders in your area to reduce numbers

16. Vet Referral Scheme Spreadsheet of Sydney Metro vets who will do discount desexing if clients call us Vet sets parameters and price Some ask for pension card or proof of low income Prices start at $90 female $60 male, depending on area Cat Protection take client details and give referral number, client then calls vet Approx 150 cats per month desexed

17. Total desexings by referral 2010-2011 financial year = 1691

18. To get involved please contact Nerida Atkin Feline Services Manager Cat Protection Society of NSW nerida@catprotection.org.au