The numbers are hard to know, but the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) estimates there are tens of millions of feral cats in the U.S. Spring is the season when huge numbers of kittens are born in the wild, often to die of starvation, exposure, or on the roadside. To prevent kittens from being born into this fate, Santa Cruz County's Project Purr is offering free spay/neuter for feral cats during February and March.
Lynne Achterberg, Project Coordinator says, "Anyone feeding a stray cat and concerned about too many kittens should take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to get the cats spayed or neutered. Cats are once again coming into heat, so time is of the essence. Spaying and neutering just one cat can prevent the birth of 55 kittens over that cat's lifetime.”
The free spay/neuter offer is available to all residents of Santa Cruz County and cities. Cats must be brought to the veterinarian individually in humane traps, which can be borrowed free of charge (refundable security deposit required) from both Santa Cruz County animal shelters.
Project Purr’s program is available at two veterinary locations: East Lake Animal Clinic, 740 East Lake Avenue, Watsonville 831/724-6391, surgeries 7 days a week, no appointment necessary; and Animal Hospital of Soquel, 2651 Soquel Avenue in Santa Cruz 831/475-0432, please call this location before trapping to ensure surgery space Monday - Friday only.
Dr. Dave Carroll of East Lake Animal Clinic says, "I have been doing low cost spay/neuter for cats for over thirty years and working with Project Purr has been my most fruitful experience. Each feral cat spayed/neutered represents hundreds of kittens who won't suffer and it makes me smile knowing I've given each feral cat a second chance on a healthy life."
Get more information and resources on the Project Purr website at www.projectpurr.org or by calling 831-423-MEOW(6369).
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