The Central New York SPCA is bracing for an influx of cats. Officials estimate more than 200 cats and kittens will be dropped off at the center in the next two and a half months. Spring is the time of year cats begin breeding and this year’s early warm weather is causing animal shelters to prepare ahead of schedule.
“Spring time is when we get bombarded and we’re easily up over 200 cats and kittens by the time spring comes to an end,” Education Director Kimberly Smith said.
The only way to avoid the yearly cat explosion is for animals to be spayed and neutered, said Executive Director Paul Morgan. Morgan notes that the new low-income spay and neuter program started at the SPCA a month ago is growing.
“An average day here … we’re probably doing about 15 to 20 surgeries a day,” Morgan said.
Veterinarians donate their time to spay and neuter animals at a reduced rate for low income pet owners. The program has expanded from one day a week to two. Morgan foresees the program growing in the future. He reiterates that spaying and neutering is the only real solution.
“It’s just a constant problem and it’s always been that way. The only thing I can sit here and say that would change it, again, is spay and neuter your animal,” Morgan said.
