'Bring Us Your Boys!" What comes to mind upon hearing this phrase? The Prowler's first thought was something along the lines of military recruitment.
Upon reading further, the Prowler noticed this proclamation came not from Uncle Sam but from the Humane Society of Santa Clara Valley. "Meeouch!" came the swift reply from many of this cat's feline friends--at least the unaltered males, that is!
The occasion isn't as violent as it sounds. It's actually the local Humane Society's tagline to advertise its First Annual Male Cat Extravaganza, held in conjunction with Spay Day USA, set for Feb. 22. The Prowler is mentioning it now to give canny owners time to catch their crafty cats and prepare them for a little nip and tuck.
The Prowler knows that no cats--or dogs, either, for that matter--enjoy this surgery, but did you know that the litter of one happy cat couple today is capable of building a family tree of 420,000 cats in seven years' time? Spaying and neutering also offer other pluses, besides the obvious benefits of reducing pet overpopulation and unwanted animals.
Interestingly enough, certain types of cancers of the reproductive system are less likely to occur in fixed critters. Also, spayed or neutered animals are less likely to wander away from home in search of a mate, thus reducing their risk of accidents, diseases or fights. If nothing else, who likes having to scan the lost-and-found ads looking for a missing friend?
The folks at the nonprofit Humane Society are working in cooperation with veterinarians and animal welfare groups throughout the county for Spay Day and will charge only $5 per cat for the first 350 felines that register. If you've been thinking of taking your cat in for some "alterations" before kitty litters appear with the spring blossoms, save the date of Feb. 22. Call 727-3383 for more info.
This article appeared in the Los Gatos Weekly-Times, February 5, 1997.
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