Special to the Star-Herald
I know that I talk about this all the time, the importance of spaying and neutering, but I am going to do it yet again. Here are the facts:
Cats:
• Number of litters a female cat can produce: up to three per year;
• Number of kittens per litter: four to six in an average litter;
• Age at which a female cat can first produce a litter: 4 to 10 months; and
• Gestation period (length of pregnancy) for cats: 58 to 70 days.
Dogs:
• Number of litters a female dog can produce: up to two per year;
• Number of puppies per litter: six to 12 for medium or large breeds, four to eight for smaller breeds;
• Age at which a female dog can first produce a litter: 7 to 9 months; and
• Gestation period (length of pregnancy) for dogs: 58 to 71 days.
Estimated number of animals euthanized by U.S. animal shelters each year because homes are not available: four to six million.
On average, what it will cost to be a dog owner: Adopting a dog from a shelter $55; first-year vaccinations $200, Each year thereafter $65; initial training $50-$100, each year thereafter $50-$200; other annual veterinary care $135; annual feeding $155-$400; annual toys, grooming supplies $160; grooming per visit $50; annual flea and tick care $80; and daily boarding $21-$30. Source: Humane Society of the United States, 1991.
On average, what it costs to be a cat owner: Adopting a cat from a shelter $25; first-year vaccinations $200, each year thereafter $27; other annual veterinary care $80; annual feeding $145; annual kitty litter $78; annual toys, grooming supplies $160; and daily boarding $10. Source: Humane Society of the United States, 1991.
Given these facts, why would anyone find it necessary to let their animals reproduce, especially cats? I see it all the time in the local papers and online “kittens” or “free cat.” It makes me want to cry. Why oh why?
Our shelter is full of cats and kittens. We had one mother kitty nurse four of her own babies, then take on four more babies whose mother had been hit by a car, and then she took on seven more orphans. Sorry, but that sort of generosity isn’t found often even in the human world, yet this poor mama, just a kitten/young cat herself, gave it everything she had for these babies who needed her.
Now mama has URI and we are doing everything possible to save her. Meds are expensive, but the unfortunate thing is that when you deal with the volume of cats that we do at the shelter, URI is almost expected, no matter how carefully you clean and disinfect. Our staff works relentlessly to keep the shelter clean and to put the sick cats into isolation, but sometimes it just isn’t enough. Under normal circumstances URI is easily treated but with so many animals in one place, such as the shelter environment, it can be deadly. Please keep this generous mama in your thoughts that she pulls through to make a full recovery and find a wonderful forever home.
If you are looking for a friend for life, please visit the Central Aroostook Humane Society often. We are open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday, or give us a call at 764-3441. Please have your pets spayed or neutered.
Photo courtesy of Christine Robinson
Eric LaPointe made a generous donation of litter, dish soap, cat and dog treats, and a generous monetary donation. All are definitely greatly appreciated and needed. Generous donations are what keep our shelter running!
