Jackson County, Ore., May 15, 2014 – Due to a large influx of stray cats taken in at Jackson County Animal Services, the Shelter has already reached maximum capacity in their cat adoption area. “We filled up more quickly than expected for this time of year,” states Barbara Talbert, Animal Services manager. “Since we only have so much space for cats, we are no longer accepting cats surrendered by their owners and we do not have enough resources to treat cats or kittens that come to us sick or injured.”
C.A.T.S. (Committed Alliance to Strays) shelter and SoHumane (Southern Oregon Humane Society) are also full and have many cats on wait lists. In addition to more than 120 cats waiting for homes in all three shelters, there are more than 60 cats, mostly kittens, in foster care being supported by the shelters’ volunteer support groups.
“Unfortunately, this overcrowded situation is likely to continue through November,” states Kenn Altine, SOHumane Executive Director. “The number of cats coming into SoHumane and other shelters begins to rise in April and it doesn’t slow down.”
The expectation that our local shelters can continue to find homes for all stray and surrendered cats that come through their doors is unrealistic. “Shelters can only offer a Band-Aid approach to the cat overpopulation crisis happening in our community”, says Sally Mackler, Director of SNYP (Spay Neuter Your Pet). “We need the public’s help to make a real difference and dent in cat overpopulation.”
There are solutions and options beyond the limited resources of shelters. “We are asking the community to make room for “just one more” by taking in that stray they’re feeding, or by adopting a shelter cat,” said Kristina Lanier, Manager at C.A.T.S (Committed Alliance to Strays). “If that is not possible, then individuals need to personally accept responsibility for rehoming cats by reaching out to friends, family, using social media and other means – and most importantly be sure that cat gets fixed.”
It is imperative that all cat caretakers get their cats spayed or neutered. “Cats can begin breeding at 16 weeks old, can have up to three litters a year, and can go into heat when they are still nursing a litter,” Mackler explains. “We have programs for stray cats, feral cats and owned cats, so please contact us immediately.”
Not getting these cats fixed only leads to more cats, and fast. One female and her offspring can easily produce 25 kittens in a year…and that’s just ONE FEMALE CAT! Half of those 25 kittens will be females.
The results are inevitable and predictable: where there are a few cats today, there will be dozens tomorrow.
Contact SNYP at www.spayneuter.org or call 541-858-3325 for spay/neuter assistance.
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