October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month—a time when we reflect on the impact this disease has on the people we love. But did you know that breast cancer is not just a human issue? Our feline friends are also vulnerable to this disease, particularly unspayed female cats.

At Project Meow, we are passionate about the health and wellbeing of cats in Geelong and beyond. That’s why, during October, we’re launching our 31 Days of Spays campaign to raise awareness about the importance of desexing—both to control the cat population and to help prevent certain diseases, including mammary and ovarian cancers.

Mammary and Ovarian Cancer in Cats: What You Need to Know.

Mammary cancer is the third most common cancer in cats, particularly affecting unspayed females. This aggressive cancer often spreads to the lungs and lymph nodes, making early detection and prevention critical.

But it’s not just mammary cancer—unspayed cats are also at risk for ovarian cancer. While less common than mammary cancer, ovarian tumours can still develop in intact female cats, and they often go unnoticed until they reach advanced stages. Desexing your cat not only eliminates the risk of ovarian cancer but also protects against other reproductive diseases, such as uterine infections (pyometra), which can be life-threatening if not treated.

Spaying your cat before her first heat can lower her chances of developing mammary cancer by up to 90%. Even if your cat is older, desexing can still provide significant health benefits, including reducing the risk of uterine infections and ovarian cancer. Desexing is not just about controlling the population—it’s a life-saving procedure that prevents unnecessary suffering.

The Importance of Prevention

At Project Meow, we believe in prevention as the kindest and most effective solution. Every female cat we desex represents one less litter of kittens, and every desexed female cat dramatically reduces her chances of developing life-threatening diseases like mammary cancer. It’s a win for the cats, their owners and the community as a whole.

Beyond the health benefits for individual cats, desexing also helps alleviate the strain on local shelters and rescue groups. With fewer preventable litters, shelters are better equipped to care for cats in need currently.  Breaking the cycle has deeper benefits down the line most of us never consider.   The reality is that adoption alone isn’t enough to combat the problem—desexing is the only sustainable way forward.  One procedure with a 100% lifetime result.  

Why October?

We’ve chosen October for our 31 Days of Spays campaign to coincide with Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Many of us have been touched by cancer, and it’s important to remember that our pets can be affected too. Just as early detection and prevention are key for humans, the same goes for our feline companions.  Annual vet checks are so important to monitor your pets’ health.

During this month, Project Meow will be working tirelessly to promote desexing and educate the community about its benefits.  Our goal is to desex as many female cats as possible this month—helping avoid preventable litters & shine a light on female cat health.  So has your female cat been desexed?  Has she had her annual vet check?  

How You Can Help

If your cat isn’t desexed yet, now is the perfect time to take action. Not only will you be helping control the cat population, you’ll also be giving your feline friend the best chance at a long, healthy life.  At Project Meow, we offer affordable low cost desexing options and FREE desexing for female cats living in low income homes.  We are here to support your cat every step of the way toward a desexed life.

 You can also support our mission by donating to help us desex more cats in the Geelong community. Every donation helps us expand our program, making a tangible difference in the lives of cats, the people who care for them and the environment they live in.

A Final Thought

Prevention saves lives. Spaying your cat is one of the most important decisions you can make as a responsible pet owner. It not only helps reduce the risk of serious diseases like mammary cancer but also ensures that your cat won’t contribute to the serious problems cats over populating bring.  

You see your cat and maybe 6 kittens.  Pounds, Shelters and rescue groups see it very differently.   If you truly wish to support animal welfare, desexing is the very best place to start. 

Join us this October for 31 Days of Spays—let’s work together to protect our feline friends and create a healthier, kinder community for all. 

For more information on mammary cancer and feline health, visit 5 Most Common Cancers in Cats (Vet Answer): Signs, Causes & Treatments – Catster

Support our mission and help us desex more cats by donating today—visit our donations page.