For many the arrival of spring translates as a time of renewal. For Kaua‘i Humane Society — spring spells kittens. “Cats begin to reproduce as young as five months old and have an average of three litters per year,” said
For many the arrival of spring translates as a time of renewal. For Kaua‘i Humane Society — spring spells kittens.
“Cats begin to reproduce as young as five months old and have an average of three litters per year,” said Kaua‘i Humane Society executive director Dr. Becky Rhoades in an e-mail. “The average litter is around five kittens.”
To control the feline population on the Garden Island the Kaua‘i Humane Society is offering free cat sterilization’s. Their mobile spay and neuter clinic will be coming to neighborhoods all over the island to offer this service.
“The humane society receives almost two lost cats for every lost dog at the shelter,” she said. “And sadly, less than four percent of the lost cats are returned home.”
Not only does sterilizing puppies and kittens ease the burden on shelters and reduce euthanasia, it prevents reproductive cancer.
As well as the free fix, there will be a $5 microchip offered. In exchange for the free sterilization surgery, cat caregivers are asked to donate an item from the Humane Society’s wish list: newspaper, shoe boxes, towels or good condition items for resale at their thrift store.
“To truly solve pet overpopulation on Kaua‘i it will take the whole community helping by taking action for the animals in their neighborhood,” Rhoades said. “If you are feeding cats in your neighborhood, please take the extra step and have them neutered.”
Up to three humane cat traps can be loaned out (with a deposit) per person for the weekend prior to the mobile van clinics arrival to the neighborhood. Cat must be contained in a carrier or humane trap. For more information call 632-0610.
The clinics are as follows: Wednesday at 4523 Aukuu St. in Kekaha; April 15 at Banana Patch Studios, 3865 Hanapepe Road in Hanapepe and on May 20 at Koloa Jodo Mission, 3480 Waikomo Road. Drop off is from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Pick up is from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• Pam Woolway, lifestyle writer, can be reached at 245-3681, ext. 257 or pwoolway@kauaipubco.com
