While euthanasia could have been the preferred option if the cats weren’t found to be in good health, Dr Piccini said the cats were great rodent catchers, and if they were removed other potentially less-healthy cats were bound to move in.

“Linda (Plowman, the facility manager) has worked hard with these cats to domesticate them,” she said.

“These can now be de-wormed and de-flead and checked to make sure they’re not harbouring disease.”

While mother cat was a little more reticent and will have to be trapped, her two offspring went under the knife in Dr Piccini’s mobile surgery van on-site. Dr Piccini said it was important for cats to be desexed before their reproductive systems kick into high gear in spring.

Dr Kate Wilson from Tenterfield Veterinary Clinic also encouraged pet owners to do the responsible thing to prevent unwanted litters, and to take advantage of the huge health benefits particularly before the animal hits puberty at around 5-6 months, depending on breed.

The risk of mammary cancer is greatly reduced in females, and behaviour issues in males such as marking territory and aggression can be averted before too much testosterone starts to circulate. Dr Wilson said there are still great advantages in desexing a pet even if it is older. Females can suffer less from uterine infections, and males from prostate issues, as well as avoiding unwanted puppies and kittens.

​Tenterfield Shire Council’s director of strategic planning and environmental services James Ruprai confirmed that council would continue to support companion animals programs within the shire.

“For the upcoming program running September 2016, we will be contributing $20 per cat and $40 per dog for the desexing program,” he said.

Tenterfield Veterinary Clinic said discounts from council and the RSPCA during September reduce the cost of desexing a female dog by $130, a male dog by $120 and cats by $80.