Warmer weather may feel far away, but Animal Friends Alliance and Larimer Humane Society want you to “Beat the Heat” by spaying your cat in advance of her heat cycle to prevent unplanned litters from being born this spring. During February and March, the two animal welfare organizations are teaming up to offer $20 spay surgeries for up to 90 cats in Larimer County.
Animal shelters commonly refer to the spring as “kitten season” because during the warmer months, the influx of accidental litters can overwhelm shelter resources. To prevent homeless cats and kittens, two of Larimer County’s largest animal welfare organizations are joining forces in advance of “kitten season” for a special $20 spay promotion called “Beat the Heat.”
Sterilization is one of the most effective strategies to reduce pet homelessness and is safe for kittens as young as 8 weeks old, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. Spaying a female cat before the first heat cycle can be beneficial, improving the health of the pet by reducing the risk of certain reproductive cancers and infections.
“Female cats can have as many as three litters a year, and kittens can breed as young as 4 months old,” says Dr. Gloria Matsushita, chief veterinarian at Animal Friends Alliance. “Most people don’t want to see their cat get pregnant over and over again, so we hope our ‘Beat the Heat’ campaign will serve as a gentle reminder to cat owners to sterilize their cats before they go into heat this year.”
“Ensuring that every pet is wanted and part of a loving home is a sentiment that our community as a whole values,” says Judy Calhoun, CEO of Larimer Humane Society. “By partnering with Animal Friends Alliance through the ‘Beat the Heat’ initiative, our goal is to assist owners in making responsible choices for their cats – decreasing challenges like homelessness and overpopulation, and helping to keep cats healthier overall.”
Animal Friends Alliance, with the support of Larimer Humane Society, will alter 90 female cats for the discounted price of $20. Residents of Larimer County will receive priority for this special rate and the promotion is available only for the month of March. Cat parents who wish to take advantage of this offer should mention the “Beat the Heat” campaign when they schedule their appointment.
