CHS Works on Springtime Animal Health Issues
Spring is just around the corner which means warmer weather and flowers. Spring also means kitten season.
As this community’s resource for animal welfare, Cascades Humane Society is continuing to work on educating the public on issues that impact everyone in the county. And, at springtime, the most pressing animal health issues is unwanted litters of kittens.
KITTEN SEASON
The phrase “love is in the air” during springtime may not have been coined because of cats, but tis the season for numerous litters of kittens to be born. Kitten season is the time of year when cats give birth, flooding animal shelters and rescue groups across the nation with homeless litters. And it’s starting. This past week has been filled with reports of at least a half a dozen litters of kittens being born.
Why does kitten season occur? Because so many adult cats are not spayed and neutered. Unaltered cats are driven by their hormones and are in search of a mate.
Unwanted cats and kittens, are either left on the street to fend for themselves or turn up in large numbers at the local animal shelters or humane societies, like Cascades.
To proactively address our local concern Cascades is working in partnership with local veterinarians who desire to do something about the surplus kittens produced each year, leading to the euthanasia of healthy, adoptable cats and kittens.
The Cat Project, spearheaded by Dr. Melissa Owings, is an annual event in which local veterinarians volunteer their services to spay or neuter 100 cats. Registration is now open for the Sunday, March 16, 2014 event at either the Jackson County Animal Shelter or Cascades Humane Society. Participants will be asked for a $10 donation per cat (limit of three cats per family) which will be reimbursed to the owner at the surgery appointment in the form of a Pet Supplies Plus voucher. More information is available on Cascades Humane Society’s Facebook page.
What can you do to help?
1. Spay or neuter your cats
Cats can become pregnant as young as five months of age. Fortunately, kittens as young as two months and weighing two pounds can be safely altered. And while it’s always safest to keep your cat inside, it’s especially important to do so before the cat is spayed or neutered. Keep your cat happy indoors and learn how to provide safe outdoor time.
2. Help your local humane society during kitten season (and all year)
Donate supplies, money or your time. Contact us to find out what’s needed most. You can also volunteer at our adoption events or promotions.
3. Care for homeless or feral (not tame) cats in your area
Work with local groups to help manage your neighborhood’s feral and stray cat populations. Cascades works with various feline groups to offer low-cost surgeries or find adoptable homes.
4. Adopt a cat
Open your home to new cat or adopt a playmate for your existing pets. Check out our website to find a new feline friend!
5. Do something now
Take a moment to click here and donate now. Put SNAP in the designation box and we’ll direct your gift to addressing the overpopulation issues in Jackson County.