Collegiate Animal Team
A nonprofit corporation supporting the care of feral cats and abandoned pets.|
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Stop the CycleLast year -- |
The key to stopping pet overpopulation and curbing the number of feral cats at Caltech and other locations is convincing humans to be responsible pet owners and spay and neuter our pets. Pets count on us humans to care for and protect them, and helping to control their population is an essential part of that commitment. The procedure is simple and painless to the pet, it is beneficial to your pet, and there is no good reason not to do it (but there are a lot of myths).
What If You Cannot Afford It?
Spaying and neutering is not an expensive operation at most veterinarians, but nevertheless, cost can be an important consideration for many people. The following lists provide many sources for low-cost spay/neuter services, as well as vaccinations and testing, in Pasadena and neighboring cities:
- http://www.phsspca.org/SNiP/index.htm
- http://www.phsspca.org/SNiP/referrals_printable.htm
- http://rescueguide.com/lavets.html
If you still cannot afford the fees, please contact us and we will try to help you find an alternative.
Feral Cats
Here is a page with a great list of resources to get feral cats spayed and neutered.
What If You Cannot Transport Your Pet to a Vet or Clinic?
If you simply need to borrow a pet carrier, you can contact us and we gladly loan you one. If you need assistance taking your pet to a place that can perform spaying/neutering, will try to help as well, but please try other alternatives first (e.g., ask your friends).
What Is "Spaying" and "Neutering"?
The HSUS web page on this topic summarizes it nicely. “Female dogs and cats are spayed by removing their reproductive organs, and male dogs and cats are neutered by removing their testicles. In both cases the operation is performed while the pet is under anesthesia. Depending on your pet’s age, size, and health, he or she will stay at your veterinarian’s office for a few hours or a few days. Depending upon the procedure, your pet may need stitches removed after a few days. Your veterinarian can fully explain spay and neuter procedures to you and discuss with you the best age at which to sterilize your pet.”
It's Good for Your Pet
The obvious benefit for both our pets and ourselves is reducing the number of unwanted kittens, puppies, cats and dogs. But there are very good health reasons to spay and neuter your pet:
Benefits of Spaying (Females)- Eliminates heat cycles, so males will not be attracted
- Reduces desire to roam, and consequently reduces the risk of injury from fights, auto accidents and other hazards
- Reduces chances of developing cancer of the mammary glands, ovaries, and uterus. The benefits are greatest if spaying is done before the first heat cycle.
- Results in cats and dogs living longer, healthier lives
- Reduces or eliminates spraying and marking behavior
- Reduces desire to roam, and consequently reduces the risk of injury from fights, auto accidents and other hazards
- Reduces chances of developing cancer of the testicles and prostate
- Decreases aggressive behavior, including biting
- Results in cats and dogs living longer, healthier lives
It's Good for You
Having your pet spayed or neutered has benefits for you as well.
- It makes pets more affectionate companions—unsterilized animals often exhibit more temperamental behavior than those who have been spayed or neutered
- It can make pets less likely to bite
- It makes pets less likely to want to roam the neighborhood, get into fights with other animals, or run away