Desexing Information & Resources
Mandatory desexing
All dogs and cats born after 1 July 2018 must be desexed by a registered veterinary surgeon:
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before they are 6 months of age; or
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within 28 days after the owner takes possession of the dog or cat; or
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if the owner of a dog or cat is granted an extension of time, before the day specified in the exemption.
Why desex your cat
Desexing your cat is a socially responsible thing to do for a number of reasons:
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It reduces territorial behaviour
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It helps control your cat’s urge to wander
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It reduces the likelihood of cancer and other diseases of the reproductive organs
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It increases the likelihood of your cat enjoying a longer and happier life
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It eliminates unwanted litters of kittens
The Dog and Cat Management Act 1995 defines desexing as:
desex means to permanently render an animal incapable of reproducing (and desexed has a corresponding meaning).
When to desex your cat
Kittens can be desexed once they reach 1kg in weight. There is no need to wait for a heat cycle or a litter of kittens to be born.
Early desexing prior to the first heat cycle significantly decreases the risk of developing malignant mammary cancer in cats and dogs, as well as evidence of early desexing providing behavioural benefits.
Assistance with low cost desexing
SA Cat Rescue does not provide desexing services but suggests contacting the following organisations:
C.A.T.S. organises low-cost desexing of cats in South Australia to prevent the breeding of unwanted kittens, and to manage cat-related problems humanely by returning desexed cats to their home. Referrals work on a voucher system and eligibility criteria apply.
The National Desexing Network (NDN) is a nationwide referral system for discounted desexing made available to pet owners in financial need. Referrals work on a voucher system and eligibility criteria apply.
District Council of Peterborough residents may be eligible to pay $50 to desex their cat with discounted desexing vouchers through the council and the National Desexing Network. Residents should contact the National Desexing Network on 1300 368 992 to check their eligibility. Conditions apply and while council funds last. Available from 1st August 2022 for 12 months.
District Council of Elliston residents may be eligible to pay $50 to desex their cat with discounted desexing vouchers through the council and the National Desexing Network. Residents should contact the National Desexing Network on 1300 368 992 to check their eligibility. Conditions apply and while council funds last.
District Council of Yankalilla residents on pensions or low income with too many cats or adopting a stray who can’t afford to desex will pay just $50 to desex their cat. The program is managed by the National Desexing Network. Residents who need support phone the National Desexing Network on 1300 368 992 to find out if eligible. If eligible, they will be issued a desexing voucher and can then contact the vet to make an appointment. These subsidies are available while Council funds last.
National Desexing Month generally occurs each July, however this has been impacted recently by COVID-19. Participating vet clinics will generally advertise their involvement in the program.
All cats and kittens adopted through SA Cat Rescue are desexed, microchipped and vaccinated prior to adoption.
Sources: Dog and Cat Board | Good Cat SA | RSPCA Australia