It creates and supports programs that save the lives of homeless pets, raise awareness of companion animal welfare issues and promote healthy relationships between people and pets. The largest funder of animal-welfare efforts in North America, PetSmart Charities has provided
It may not yet be summer, but now is the time to spay female cats in advance of their heat cycles and prevent unwanted litters before “kitten season” arrives this spring — a time when shelters traditionally see large numbers of unwanted litters being born, say the folks at the Hawaii Island Humane Society (HIHS).
To help reduce the number of homeless cats, is offering a “Beat the Heat” promotion sponsored by PetSmart Charities®.
During the Spay Day USA observance in February, HIHS will spay 50 female cats for a special rate of $20 apiece.
“Spaying and neutering is one of the most effective ways to reduce the homeless pet population. While some worry that their pet may be too young for this procedure, spaying and neutering is safe for kittens as young as eight to 10 weeks old,” said HIHS Executive Director Donna Whitaker.
“And, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association, spaying a female cat before the first heat cycle is actually beneficial, rather than waiting until after one heat cycle has occurred. The procedure is known to improve the health of the pet, including a reduced risk of certain reproductive cancers and infections,” she said.
Many people don’t know that female cats can have as many as three litters a year, and kittens can breed as young as four months old.
“It’s our goal to bring female cats in before they go into heat and become pregnant. Our ‘Beat the Heat’ promotion is a fun way to educate the community and prevent unwanted litters,” said Whitaker.
This special rate of $20 is available to the first 50 domestic cat owners who sign up by Jan. 31 at the Keaau or Kona shelters. Twenty surgeries will be allotted to cat owners in Keaau and in Ocean View and 10 surgeries allotted to cat owners in Kona during the month of February.
Cat parents who wish to take advantage of this offer must mention the “Beat the Heat” promotion when they sign up. The promotion is based on availability.
“HIHS also sells special spay/neuter coupons that are accepted by many island veterinarians. Male cat neuter coupons are $30 and female cat spay coupons are $60, which is nearly half what you’d otherwise pay,” said Whitaker. Please visit HIHS.org or call 329-1175 or the HIHS Spay/Neuter Hotline at 987-7208 for more information.
The society’s mission is to promote respect for all animals, prevent cruelty to animals, eliminate pet overpopulation and enhance the bond between humans and animals. HIHS holds a contract with the County of Hawaii to enforce certain animal-related laws and it offers 24-hour service for injured animals and other animal emergencies, humane education classes, low-cost spay and neuter services, lost-and-found assistance, microchipping and more. Learn more at HIHS.org or call 329-1175.
Established in 1994, PetSmart Charities Inc. is an independent, nonprofit 501(c)3 organization.
It creates and supports programs that save the lives of homeless pets, raise awareness of companion animal welfare issues and promote healthy relationships between people and pets. The largest funder of animal-welfare efforts in North America, PetSmart Charities has provided $134 million in grants and programs benefiting animal-welfare organizations and has helped save the lives of nearly 5 million pets through its in-store adoption program. To learn more about how PetSmart Charities is working toward its vision of a lifelong, loving home for every pet, visit petsmartcharities.org or call 1-800-423-PETS (7387).
