FCCO offering free spay/neuter clinics from 2/28 to 3/17!
In honor of World Spay Day, The Feral Cat Coalition of Oregon (FCCO) will be holding free spay/neuter clinics from February 28th (World Spay Day) to March 17th (St. Catrick’s Day). FCCO stresses the importance of spaying and neutering cats before the weather gets warmer and the spring breeding cycle begins.
Feral and stray cats are commonplace in urban and rural environments, and the most common complaints voiced by neighbors about the cats include fighting, spraying, and “yowling.” Spaying or neutering these cats will help reduce and prevent these issues. You will not only reduce these nuisance behaviors, but you will also help prevent future litters of homeless cats.
Why is it so important to get a head start on helping the cats now? Cats can multiply quickly, and a prime example of this comes from Amie K., a caregiver who recently used FCCO’s services. Amie moved to Newberg last August to a property that had a few cats. Within two weeks females were giving birth, and by fall she had 41 cats (that's one there on the left). In two days last month she was able to trap all of them: 17 males and 24 females. Had it not been for FCCO’s services, the female cats could easily have produced an additional 96 kittens this spring. Instead, no new kittens will be born into this colony!
If you are feeding feral or stray cats in your neighborhood, call the Feral Cat Coalition at 503-797-2606 or visit www.feralcats.com today and take advantage of this free special. Don’t delay. Space is limited.
For a fun (but not entirely fanciful) view of how a pet views
this issue, double-click on the lower "Play" button to watch
this great music video created by Alliance
for Humane Action
Why do we care so deeply about this?
We, along with all other area rescue organizations, deal daily with the result of companion animal overpopulation – neglect, abandonment and death of the innocent. And we're losing ground.
Being reactive to the problem through rescue and adoption campaigns is ethically necessary but solves nothing. There will be twice as many animals in need tomorrow (actually, far more than that – an unspayed female cat over 5 months old can produce several litters per year). It is imperative that we proactively work to stem the flood. Are you strong enough to look at this problem straight on? CLICK HERE to watch a rather graphic video called In Hope: An Animal Shelter Story developed by Brightlion Creations for the Humane Society of the United States. Then tell us we're on the wrong track...
Be part of the solution – spay and neuter your pets!
- Spay / Neuter discount coupons Animal Aid actively distributes these discount coupons administered by the Oregon Spay/Neuter Fund. Again, they require the operation to be done by specific veterinarians (listed on the coupon flier), but there is no income level requirement.
- Give us a call at 503-292-6628 Option 2 and leave a message* if you would like to be contacted for advice on your particular situation.
- CLICK HERE for a list of other local options.
But surely you meant this is a problem in OTHER cities!
If you're thinking "this can't be a problem around here" think again. Quoting from a 2006 article in The Oregonian:
In the past five years in Oregon, the number of cats taken to shelters has increased to about 45,000 annually; 50 percent to 60 percent end up euthanized, according to rough estimates by the Humane Society.
Even though Portland has been named one of the most pet-friendly cities in the US, the news is grim for our feline friends here. Multnomah County Animal Services reports that their cat intake for 2007 was the highest in 25 years, with 5567 cats entering the system and a 57% euthanasia rate. Washington County’s Manager of Animal Services reports that in 2007 they took in 4399 cats. This is an increase of 25% over last year, and a whopping 81% increase since 2000. Of those cats, 64% were euthanized.
But my pet is special!
Think you have a valid reason for not altering your pet? Please CLICK HERE and let's see if you've got a case.
* Please note: In order to use our funds for the animals, we have a very small office staff; consequently all calls are initially received by voicemail. Our hours to return your calls are 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Monday through Friday. Calls will not be processed on evenings and weekends.