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Spay and Neuter!!!!The cat overpopulation problem reached crisis level many years ago, because so many people neglected to spay and neuter their pets. Millions of cats and kittens have been killed by animal control pounds across North America, because there aren't enough homes for them. Some people don't realize the extent of the problem, or don't want to spend the money for the surgery. Many don't realize that a female kitten can become pregnant by 6 months of age. Many think it's kind to let their female cat have one litter before spaying her, or want their children to have the experience of witnessing birth. We know that city animal pounds hold small numbers of cats and are always full; that beautiful, healthy animals are killed to make room for new arrivals; that kittens and cats are killed if they show symptoms of minor, brief illnesses such as colds (referred to as upper respiratory Illness), or if they are shy and frightened. Some people don't spay and neuter their cats, because they keep them indoors. We know that many indoor cats have escaped to the outdoors and have become temporarily or permanently lost. When indoor cats find themselves in the wide, open spaces for the first time, they are usually overwhelmed and will run and hide in panic. Some become lost when their owners have moved. Others escape from cars or their owners' arms when they aren't properly restrained during trips to the veterinarian (you should always use a proper cat carrier). When cats are temporarily or permanently lost, they are highly likely to either become pregnant or to cause a pregnancy. Permanently lost females will create large colonies of wild cats. Unspayed female cats are very uncomfortable when they are in heat, and will wail and wash themselves continuously. Unneutered males may spray urine all over your home (and it's very hard to locate, but easy to smell), and may behave more aggressively than if neutered. Richmond Animal Protection has worked hard to reduce the cat overpopulation problem in our area. We lobbied our municipal government until they enacted a spay and neuter bylaw, which requires all cat owners to alter their pets, unless they pay for a breeding permit. Violators are fined unless they can show proof of spay and neuter. If there is no spay and neuter bylaw in your area, please do all that you can to convince your city council to enact one. So many little lives depend on it. Richmond Animal Protection has partnered with an organization called International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) to provide free spay and neuter to Richmond cat owners who can't afford the surgery. Spay and neuter is the only way that we can stop the killing at animal control pounds. If you help reduce the supply of kittens and cats, more people will adopt homeless cats from pounds and shelters. |
Keep your cat indoors Preventing or solving scratching problems Watch for signs of illness Spay and Neuter Ask a cat How you can help a stray or feral cat Finding your lost cat |
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