To celebrate a day dedicated to felines everywhere, we’ve asked animal welfare officer Keli Stephens, from the Glenfield Road Animal Shelter, what she’d like moggie owners to know.

“The first thing is to make sure your cat is microchipped,” Ms Stephens said.

“A lot of people think that cats don’t need to be microchipped and desexed, but it is very important.”

Ms Stephens said estimates showed that a female cat was able to provide about three litters, each averaging about four kittens, every year.

In turn, these cats would reproduce and within just a few years, there are potentially thousands of descendants from that one female.

“Also, if your cat is roaming, make sure it is coming home at night and isn’t causing problems around the neighbourhood,” Ms Stephens said.

Currently, the Glenfield Road Animal Shelter has about 15 cats, from kittens to adults, available for adoption.

“There are some really affectionate cats here at the moment,” Ms Stephens said.

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