Today is World Spay Day, and area organizations will celebrate by offering vouchers to help curb the feral cat population, as well as assist those who have feline friends at home.
The Monongalia County Humane Society will fund the spaying and neutering of 150 stray or feral cats during its Spring Fix-A-Feral Program that begins March 1.
“In recognition of World Spay Day on Feb. 25, we want to do our part to control the stray and feral cat population in our local community,” said Ruth Ann Shinn, MCHS president.
Roughly half of the 146 million cats in the United States are feral or unowned.
“We will issue 150 vouchers to cover the cost of spay/neuter and a rabies shot,” Shinn said. MCHS will also loan humane traps, on a short-term basis, to those who need assistance catching the stray or feral cats they care for.
MCHS hopes this program will help decrease the number of stray and feral cats in Monongalia County. The group’s first Fix-A-Feral program held in September and October was a success, with 100 vouchers distributed in 10 days.
“Spaying 150 cats will make a huge difference,” Shinn said. “It prevents hundreds and even thousands of kittens from being born, prevents unnecessary suffering for these animals, and reduces the risk of rabies spreading from wildlife to these community cats.”
Mountaineer Spay Neuter Assistance Program, an all-volunteer nonprofit, will host a voucher event from 5:30-6:30 p.m. today at the Morgantown Mall, outside ReTails.
Two hundred vouchers will be issued for owned cats that belong to residents of Monongalia County.
The organization has also partnered with Terra Cafe and Black Bear Burritos’ Evansdale location. At Terra Cafe, there will be a bin for donations to be given to an area animal shelter and a monetary donation jar for M-SNAP. Dine in any time today at Black Bear, and 10% of the bill will be donated to the nonprofit.
Created by the Doris Day Animal League in 1995 as Spay Day USA, World Spay Day has been recognized by nearly 70 countries.
To participate in the MCHS Fix-A-Feral program, individuals may obtain a Fix-A-Feral voucher by calling 304-599-9533. Participating veterinary clinics include AVS Vet Express, Fairmont Veterinary Hospital, Morgantown Veterinary Care, and Paw Prints Veterinary Clinic. Vouchers are limited to five per person.
For information about M-SNAP, visit https://www.facebook.com/M-SNAP-Mountaineer-Spay-Neuter-Assistance-Program-160619546856/.
