“Kitten season.” It may sound adorable, but tragically, it is a time of suffering and death for millions of homeless kittens.
Kitten season peaks in spring and summer, and it is the time of year when large numbers of kittens are born. Cats go into heat every two to three weeks during mating season, and will relentlessly seek out mates.
Stray cats who are not spayed or neutered will continue to give birth to kittens who struggle to survive on the streets without access to food, shelter, or veterinary care.
A scientific study following homeless cats found that 75% of kittens "... died or disappeared before 6 months of age. Trauma was the most common cause of death.” [1]
Alarmingly, "for over a decade, animal shelters across the country have noted kitten season starting earlier and lasting longer." [2]
Even the kittens who end up in shelters are at risk of being killed. Because neonatal kittens require round-the-clock care to survive, most animal shelters do not have the resources to provide this level of care. As a result, many neonatal kittens are killed the same day they arrive at the shelter. [3]
It’s clear that an innovative solution is desperately needed to prevent needless suffering!
“No matter what technique you use, if you don’t stop the flow of new cats into the landscape, it’s not gonna matter,” says Christopher Lepczyk, an ecologist at Auburn University and prominent researcher of free-ranging cats. [2]
That’s why 600 Million Dogs is working to address stray overpopulation right at the source of the problem.
Our mission is to end the number 1 cause of suffering and death for dogs and cats -- overpopulation -- by developing a permanent-lasting birth control cookie that will only need to be eaten one time, and it will in effect spay or neuter -- without surgery.
Every cat deserves the chance to experience the warmth and affection of a guardian who will shower them with the love and care they deserve!
The good news is that for as little as $1 a month, you can be a part of our groundbreaking work to end the number 1 cause of suffering and death for stray cats.
Thanks so much for caring about animals!
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