A CAMPAIGN to prevent the country becoming overrun with unwanted cats arrives in the region next week.

The RSPCA's mobile neutering clinic will give cat owners receiving state benefits the chance to have their pets neutered for free.

The charity will target areas of the country with the highest un-neutered cat populations, starting in Hartlepool on Monday.

Steve Cheetham, head of the RSPCA's veterinary department and campaign manager, said: "Many cat owners are not aware of the consequences of uncontrolled breeding. The RSPCA's targeted scheme will try to persuade these people to have their cats neutered before they have a litter, which may be when they are as young as five months old.

"It is vital cat owners do the responsible thing and stop their pets having unwanted kittens."

The scheme aims to neuter 5,000 cats every year and Mr Cheetham said it was crucial to neuter cats, not only to curb the spiralling cat population, but also to stop the spread of FIV, the feline version of Aids.

Volunteers will deliver leaflets before the clinic arrives in any given area to let cat owners know about the scheme and make an appointment.

Mr Cheetham said: "Many people wrongly assume it is healthy for a cat to have a first litter, but this is simply not the case; and a cat as young as three months old can be neutered."

The clinic will be set up in Tesco car park, Belle Vue Way, Hartlepool, from Monday until Friday. It will be open from 9am to 1pm daily.

Anyone wishing to book an appointment for their cat is asked to contact Jos Harwood on (01429) 277377.