We received a phone call a few weeks ago asking if we could take two cats, one of which was pregnant. After asking many questions, we decided it was in the best interest of the cats to take them.
When they arrived at The Ark they were infested with fleas, which is not a good thing for a pregnant cat. Both cats were treated immediately for the fleas, and after careful observation it was determined that both cats were pregnant. Both cats looked almost identical, so I am assuming they are sisters. At this point we are all very frustrated because the owner let this happen. Can you imagine if we had not taken the cats and they had babies? The cycle would have just kept repeating itself and eventually would have been totally out of control.
And this is the part where we once again say to everyone: please get your cats neutered and spayed. Don’t wait until it’s too late and then ask for help. That is not fair to your poor pet and the kittens that are about to be born. There are not enough homes for all of these cats; most shelters are full. If you can’t afford to alter your pet, you can’t afford to have a pet. The really frustrating part is there is help out there and you can get your pet altered for $10-$20. All you have to do is ask. Isn’t your pet worth that?
The two girls are now in a safe, clean environment waiting to have their babies. Once the babies are delivered and they are old enough to be weaned from their mothers, the two females will be spayed.
We receive so many phone calls every day asking us to take people’s cats. Every person has a different excuse, like “I am moving and I can’t take my cat” or “My landlord is making me get rid of my cat.” We hear every excuse in the book and we just shake our heads. Pet ownership is a big responsibility and should be taken very seriously, but unfortunately, there are too many people getting pets for all the wrong reasons. They don’t anticipate that pets cost money or that they can start reproducing at 6 months or that they can get sick.
We had someone call and wanted us to take their cat that they had had for 10 years because they were moving. How does anyone do that? Ten years is a long time to have a pet and then just decide they no longer want the cat.
Before you get an animal, please do your homework. Find a vet and ask about vet care and what it entails. Check into flea treatments and wormers. They are not cheap. Budget out what it will cost for a neuter or spay, vaccinations, etc. If it doesn’t fit into your budget, then you should not get a pet.
Be prepared to make a lifetime commitment to that pet, even when things get tough. If you can’t commit to these things, maybe you shouldn’t get a pet.
Please join us for an Italian dinner on Saturday, March 9, at the Houlton Elks Club from 4-7 p.m. There will be a dessert auction and a silent auction. For more information, please call Lorraine at The Hollywood Pet Salon, 532-7387.
Thank you for your continued support, and as always, thank you for reading our column.
