Tri-County Humane Society: News

November 23, 2008

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News: Too Many Cats!

Too Many Cats!!

There’s a trend at the humane society we would dearly like to see discontinued; that is the increase in the number of cats in our community. Every year the number of cats coming into the shelter is increasing and along with that, the number we have to euthanize. The over-population of cats and limited space and foster homes has led to a 40% increase in cat euthanasia this year. Why is that? There are too many cats that are not spayed or neutered. Pet owners, who allow their pet to roam outside, seldom spay or neuter them because they don’t want to invest money in an animal that may be hit by a car or not come home for some other unfortunate reason. There are a number of other reasons, but that one seems to be the most prevalent. Also, there are municipalities not taking responsibility for the stray cats in their area. Why is that? Because there are too many and with the increase in numbers, it’s too expensive. All of the unaltered cats allowed outdoors are contributing to the over-population, often with several litters every season. You don’t need a calculator to see how that will escalate in the following years.

What can we do? Additional foster homes would help reduce the euthanasia rate, but even if we fostered all of the ill and treatable cats until they are well, it’s not likely we would be able to find homes for all of them. People buy a car more often than they buy another cat, so we do not see a lot of repeat customers. One plan is a long term foster care program during the busy cat season so cats can be returned in the winter when there’s more room on the adoption floor. How can you help? Please spay and neuter your cats - although I realize you, our readers and supporters, most likely have. Help us spread the word about the over-population problem and encourage others to spay or neuter their pets. If you live in a municipality that does not have an animal control policy for stray cats, please encourage them to adopt such a policy. And if you could care for a cat or kittens in your home by being a foster care provider, please call the shelter for more information.

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