Home Cat parents can beat the heat before spring
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Cat parents can beat the heat before spring

AFP

It may seem that warmer weather is still out of reach, but now is the time to “beat the heat” by spaying your cat in advance of her heat cycle and preventing unwanted litters before  “kitten season” arrives this spring – a time when shelters traditionally see large numbers of unwanted litters being born. To help reduce the number of homeless cats, Shenandoah Valley Spay/Neuter Clinic is offering a “Beat the Heat” promotion sponsored by PetSmart Charities®. During February, SVSNC will spay female cats for a special rate of $20.

Spaying and neutering is one of the most effective ways to reduce the homeless pet population. While some worry that their pet may be too young for this procedure, spaying and neutering is safe for kittens as young as eight to 10 weeks old. And, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association, spaying a female cat before the first heat cycle is actually beneficial, rather than waiting until after one heat cycle has occurred. The procedure is known to improve the health of the pet, including a reduced risk of certain reproductive cancers and infections.

“Many people don’t know that female cats can have as many as three litters a year and kittens can breed as young as four months old,” says Cate Mansfield, Executive Director. “It’s our goal to bring female cats into the clinic before they go into heat and become pregnant. Our ‘Beat the Heat’ promotion is a fun way to educate the community and prevent unwanted litters.”

This special rate is even less than the organization’s normal low-cost price. Cat parents who wish to take advantage of this offer must mention the “Beat the Heat” promotion when they schedule their appointment. The promotion is based on availability. Please visit www.spayandneuterclinic.org or call 540.437.1980 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

 




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