Felines get top-billing with shelter's new program
Low-cost spaying and neutering is just the start of turning the tables for cats
10/31/2009
When companion cats go missing, owners often mistakenly believe they've simply adopted another neighborhood family, or have met a disastrous coyote end. For some, the concern for their furry friend ends there.
In fact, the owner-return percentage for felines who wind up at the Santa Fe Animal Shelter & Humane Society is incredibly low compared to the rate of canines that eventually return to their owners, said Bill Hutchison, shelter communications director. It's only about 6 or 7 percent for cats compared to from 40 to 50 percent for dogs.
"Cats are often considered a second-class species," Hutchison said. "But cats are more than just 'canine light.' They deserve more attention."
To that end, a new program at the shelter aims to put the spotlight on cats — which every cat person knows is where it should be. Called Moving Forward For Felines, the program is based on inexpensive spaying and neutering and will eventually include special events reserved just for cats.
An anonymous donor and devoted cat person is making the program possible through a monthly stipend. Cat owners only have to come up with a $10 co-pay for altering through the shelter's Spay/Neuter & Wellness Clinic.
"We want to get in as many cats as possible," Hutchinson said. "The co-pay will help the fund go further."
Cat overpopulation has become a nationwide problem. In the past, shelters knew they'd have to deal with a kitten explosion two times a year. But they'd buckle down, cut adoption fees, hold special events and get through the crisis.
"In the six or seven years that I've been in animal welfare, that's changed," Hutchison said. "It's scary. We have kittens en masse all the time."
Some blame global warming for the change in seasonal heats. Whatever the cause, felines suffer for it. So the key is, as usual, spaying and neutering as many animals as possible.
But Moving Forward For Felines looks to create a shift in feline perception, Hutchison said. Groups often have special events for dogs, like the Barkin' Ball or Howl-O-Ween, while cats must be content to play second fiddle in their kitty condo. That has to change.
"Cats are not just 'the other pet,'" Hutchison said. "They are a species that has chosen to share their lives with us and we have chosen to share our lives with them. Now we can do something for them."
On tap is a shelter cat show, the details and times of which are still being organized. Other unique feline events are also being considered; whatever it takes to bring cats from out of the shadows, Hutchison said. "Cats are here at the shelter and we have an ethical responsibility to work for them. We have to change this prejudice against them."
Those interested in low-cost altering for their felines should call the shelter's satellite clinic, 474-6422, to schedule an appointment. Shelters generally have a rule of thumb to alter cats at 12 weeks old, or when they hit the scales at 2 pounds.
In the meantime, Hutchison urges people to begin considering cats in a different light. Embrace the feline's inner diva and think about wild nights with catnip: It might just be the beginning of cat rebellion. Wouldn't that be purrfect?