With so many homeless pets,
why breed?
By Christine Cowett Robinson
Special to The Star-Herald
I know that I talk about this all the time — the importance of spaying and neutering — but I am going to do it yet again. Here are the facts:
• Number of litters a female cat can produce: up to three per year;
• Number of kittens per litter: four to six in an average litter;
• Age at which a female cat can first produce a litter: 4 to 10 months; and
• Gestation period (length of pregnancy) for cats: 58 to 70 days.
The facts are similar for dogs:
• Number of litters a female dog can produce: up to two per year;
• Number of puppies per litter: six to 12 for medium or large breeds, four to eight for smaller breeds;
• Age at which a female dog can first produce a litter: 7 to 9 months; and
• Gestation period (length of pregnancy) for dogs: 58 to 71 days.
The estimated number of animals euthanized by U.S. animal shelters each year because homes are not availableis 4 to 6 million.
On average, what it will cost to be a dog owner: Adopting a dog from a shelter, $55; first-year vaccinations, $200, each year thereafter is $65; initial training, $50-$100, each year thereafter is $50-$200; other annual veterinary care, $135; annual feeding, $155-$400; annual toys and grooming supplies, $160; grooming per visit, $50; annual flea and tick care, $80; and daily boarding, $21-$30. Source: Humane Society of the United States, 1991
On average, what it costs to be a cat owner: Adopting a cat from a shelter, $25; first-year vaccinations, $200, each year thereafter, $27; other annual veterinary care, $80; annual feeding, $145; annual kitty litter, $78; annual toys and grooming supplies, $160; and daily boarding, $10. Source: Humane Society of the United States, 1991
Given these facts, why would anyone find it necessary to let their animals reproduce, especially cats? I see it all the time in the local papers and online: “kittens” or “free cat.” It makes me want to cry. Why oh why? Our shelter is full of cats and kittens.
If you are looking for a friend for life, please visit the Central Aroostook Humane Society often. We are open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday, or give us a call at 764-3441.
Please have your pets spayed and neutered.
