As the title of this blog states, June is adopt a shelter cat month. This campaign is to bring awareness of the millions of cats that enter animal shelters and rescues each year. This also brings attention the plight of the millions of cats that die each year in shelters all across the United States.
Did you know approximately 2-5% of owned cats are returned to their owners after entering animal shelters and what is as equally important is that just a small percentage of cats in “kill “shelters are adopted? This is not only sad but this needs to stop.
According to the HSUS, there are approximately 88.3 million owned cats in the US and over half of those owners have more than one cat. Of the owned cats, the majority are spayed and neutered.
So where does this problem lie with millions of cats entering shelters and being killed each year?
First and foremost, the reason for the overpopulation cat problem lies with the owners who allowed their cats to roam freely or let these cats to live on their own. What ensues is the proliferation of feral cats that once were house cats.
These cats procreate and more feral cats are born. They are not your normal house cats. It is extremely difficult to get close to them for they fear people.
There are organizations that are involved in trap-neuter-release programs that have proven to be quite effective in keeping this population down in certain areas. The problem lies in the fact that these organizations can’t do this on a large scale basis.
Killing off the cats does not seem to be the answer to me. I have been there and have seen firsthand the euthanasia of over 60 cats at one time and it was quite unbearable. I have also witnessed thousands of cats losing their lives over the years because……..well……..sometimes, I don’t know why. I didn’t always understand why some cats had to be killed.
Witnessing mother and kittens being killed was the worst for me. And it is that time of year again- kitten season. Shelters fill up quickly. The pressure and stress on the staff is very difficult during this season. To make room for more cats that people either don’t want or discard, other cats and kittens die. I have been with many kittens who lost their lives before their lives ever began. It is heart-wrenching to witness. To the staff of shelters who are forced to do this, my heart goes out to you. I know and understand the enormity of your pain.
If you have wanted a cat or want to add a new member to your family, consider adopting a cat from a shelter or rescue. Please feel free to check out One by One Cat Rescue. This is a no-kill rescue and they do fantastic work.
Please remember, thousands of cats die each year right here in Berks County.
Save a life, adopt!!