WOODLAND – In celebration of feral cat month, the Allegheny Spay & Neuter Clinic will offer a special rate to spay and neuter feral cats from Nov. 17-28 while available. To make an appointment or to obtain additional information, contact the clinic at 814-857-5280.
A feral cat is a descendant of a domesticated cat that has returned to the wild. A feral cat is born in the wild and is different from a stray cat, which is a pet cat that has been lost or abandoned. The offspring of a stray cat can be considered feral if born in the wild.
Feral cats, which are born and living outdoors, without any human contact or care, have been shown to be adoptable. These cats can be tamed by humans if they are removed from a wild environment before truly feral behaviors are established. Such behaviors are established while it is still a kitten being raised by its mother.
Ear tipping will be performed on the feral cats coming in for the special rate. This is the preferred method to identify spayed or neutered and vaccinated feral cats.
Because it is difficult to get close to feral cats, the identification must be visible from a distance. Feral cats may interact with a variety of caregivers, veterinarians and animal control personnel during their lives. Immediate visual identification is necessary to prevent an unnecessary second trapping and surgery.
The Humane Society of the United States estimates that there are as many as 50 million feral cats in the United States. Further, spaying/neutering is a proven way to reduce pet overpopulation in communities.
Individuals often feed feral cats and don’t realize or can’t find resources to get them spayed and neutered while their numbers are manageable. They are soon overwhelmed by kittens.
The cost of spaying or neutering a pet is less than the cost of raising a kitten for one year. Two uncontrolled breeding cats can produce two litters per year and continued breeding will produce 12 cats the first year, 66 cats the second year and 2,200 cats the next.
The Animal Welfare Council (AWC), which operates the Allegheny Spay & Neuter Clinic, is an organization in the local community that can help with feral cats. These organizations, however, need assistance, such as donations, from individuals in their local communities in order to address feral cat problems.
Other walk-in feline services offered at the clinic include: rabies vaccinations, FVRCP vaccinations, feline leukemia testing, fecal testing, parasite checks, flea/tick prevention, nail trims and private euthanasia.
For more information about feral cats and the Allegheny Spay and Neuter Clinic, call 814-857-5280.