COLCHESTER cat owners looking to neuter and microchip their feline friends are being reminded of the financial support on offer. 

Cat Protection runs a reduced-cost neutering scheme for those who need financial support by cutting the fee to just £10.

The average cost in the UK for neutering is around £50 to £100 plus £20 to £30 for a microchip.

Colne Valley Vet, in Maudlyn Road, is now offering the reduced-cost service to the city's residents.

People who are eligible include those who receive universal credit, income support, housing benefits, council tax benefits, pension credits, working tax credits income-based ESA, income-based JSA, or child tax credits. 

Other people eligible include cat owners who have a household income of less than £25,000 before tax or cat lovers who are also full-time students living away from home. 

From June 10 this year owners will be legally required to microchip cats, or they could face a fine of up to £500.

Those interested do not need to contact Cat Protections, they must contact their vets directly who will inform them of the proof required.

Vouchers are also not needed.

For more information on Cat Protection's neutering scheme go to cats.org.uk.

For more information on Haven's Veterinary Practice go to colnevalleyvets.co.uk.