A Sheffield cat charity has relaunched a free neutering and microchipping scheme to help tackle overpopulation in the city.

Cat-CHING Sheffield reopened the scheme this month, offering vouchers for cat owners who cannot afford the procedures and can travel to the three participating veterinary practices in the S6 and S8 areas.

The scheme was first trialled in December 2022 as a preventative measure designed to reduce the number of cats needing rescue or rehoming.

The charity says early intervention through neutering and microchipping can help prevent unwanted litters and reduce pressure on animal rescues across the city.

Katie Birch, a spokesperson for Cat-CHING Sheffield, said: “We’ve always felt passionate about ensuring cats have everything they need to live the longest, healthiest lives possible.”

She said the demand for the relaunched scheme was far greater than they expected. 

More than 100 applications were submitted within the first 12 hours, forcing organisers to temporarily close applications while they catch up with requests.

“The volume of messages we received was overwhelming,” Ms Birch said. 

According to the charity, hundreds of cats have already been supported through the scheme, including 349 in 2022, 385 in 2023, 236 in 2024 and 499 in 2025.  

Ms Birch said neutering remains one of the most effective ways to control the cat population and reduce the strain on rescues and the number of available homes.

They added that the procedure also has a number of health and behavioural benefits, including reducing aggressive behaviour, preventing certain cancers and life-threatening infections, and lowering the likelihood of roaming. Roaming can increase the risk of cats becoming lost or involved in road accidents.

“Neutered cats also live longer on average. Who wouldn’t want their pet around for longer?” she added.

Those wanting to support the scheme can purchase one of two t-shirts made in collaboration with a Sheffield-based illustrator. Seventy percent of the £20 sales price will be donated to help fund the neutering programme and support foster cats currently in the charity’s care.

Updates on when the scheme will reopen will be shared by Cat-CHING Sheffield.