Updated on 8/3/13, Originally posted on 11/26/11

Cats reproduce quickly:

A female cat, on average, can have 2-3 litters a year ranging in from 1-8 kittens at each birth.  Imagine this scenario: Let’s say a pair of cats has 10 kittens a year (5 males and 5 females).  Now you have six female cats and six males.  Year two there could be 60 cats, year three 300 cats, and by the fourth year 6,000 cats.  Keep in mind that in this scenario it just started with one pair of cats and four years latter we have 6,000 cats!  you do the math.  Wow, that is a lot of cats!

So many cats are put down each year in the US.  Estimated number of cats and dogs euthanized by shelters each year is 3-4 million pets.  If you still think it is not a big deal to Spay/Neuter your cat think of it this way.  Even if you find homes for your cat’s kittens, other kittens will be euthanized in the place of your kittens.  If you could prevent your cat from having kittens, other kittens might find homes that would otherwise be put to sleep.

Go to your local shelter and take a look at all the cats needing homes.  Then ask yourself, “Do I need to let my cat bring more kittens into the world?”  Be a responsible pet owner and Spay/Neuter your cat.  I am not against good quality cat breeds, but I do believe that the cat population should be reduced so good healthy kitties don’t have to die because there are not enough homes for them.   It is a shame that there are so many cats that have to be killed because people aren’t responsible enough with their cats to have them spayed or neutered.  Please consider having your cat spayed or neutered.  If money is an issue contact your local shelter to see if they can get you a free voucher or they should be able to direct you to a low cost clinic.