FORT COLLINS, Colo. (Feb. 10, 2022) – It may not feel like it right now, but spring is just around the corner. Animal Friends Alliance and Larimer Humane Society want you to “Beat the Heat” by spaying your cat in advance of her heat cycle (also commonly called a “heat”) to prevent unplanned litters from being born this spring. During March, Animal Friends Alliance and Larimer Humane Society 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 cats are seasonal breeders and 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.”
While there are many advantages to spaying cats and kittens, the cost of spay surgeries can be a big barrier. That’s why Animal Friends Alliance and Larimer Humane Society are offering the discount price of $20 to encourage more people to “Beat the Heat” and avoid getting overwhelmed by unplanned litters of kittens. 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.
Please call (970) 484-1861 and mention “Beat the Heat” to schedule an appointment, or visit SavingAnimalsToday.org for more information. The clinic is located at 2321 E. Mulberry St. #3 in Fort Collins.