Whenever we share news about our rescued Pilot Pups, someone asks: What about cats?!
Or as one person replied, CATS CATS CATS CATS CATS!!
Our name may be 600 Million Dogs, but, yes, cats are a core part of our mission.
Earlier this year, New Zealand introduced a competition encouraging children to kill as many stray cats as they can -- for a prize of around $150.
Thankfully, this sickening contest was cancelled because a large number of compassionate people spoke out against it.
But that doesn’t change the tragic reality that across the world, stray cats are suffering due to the overpopulation crisis.
In the U.S., it's estimated that over 1 million homeless cats are killed in shelters each year, and that almost 80% of stray kittens don't survive beyond their first 6 months.
For those who do make it, their lives are filled with hunger, disease, and danger, and their average lifespan is only 4 years. That's a fraction of the lifespan of a beloved indoor cat.
Some incredibly lucky stray and feral cats are spayed, neutered, fed, and cared for -- by amazing people like you! Unfortunately, this is rare.
Worldwide, many countries have no laws protecting cats from abuse. So in addition to suffering from starvation and neglect, cats are poisoned or hunted – not just by cruel individuals, but even by governments.
Let's work together for a better future for cats!
Such innocent, loving, and beautiful animals, born only to endure a brief life filled with suffering – it breaks our hearts.
Our nonprofit science-centered mission is to significantly reduce animal suffering on a global scale by developing a safe, edible, one-dose, permanent-lasting birth control Cookie for stray dogs and cats.
We would love to be developing the Cookie for cats right now!
The problem is, our efforts receive only 10% of the funds that are needed. To make these funds stretch as far as possible, our current studies focus on dogs.
For every day of our studies, we need to pay for rescue, vet care, active ingredients for the Cookie, surgical spay/neuter, creation of digital slides of ovarian follicles, examination of results by histopathologists, and much more.
The only thing holding back our ability to help suffering stray cats is the lack of funds.
This work is classified as the "development of a veterinary pharmaceutical drug." It is normally only performed by billion-dollar pharmaceutical companies.
But these companies have shown little interest in a product like the Spay and Neuter Cookie. They don’t consider it profitable enough.
Accomplishing this mission relies completely on gifts from people who care, like you.
We will not let these challenges stop us.
We will continue working at the grassroots level, at the grassroots pace, with the grassroots funds we painstakingly raise -- until we succeed.
Your support, as always, means the world to us and to the animals you are saving.
Together, we can make a difference in the lives of stray dogs and cats!
If you can't donate right now, sharing our mission with your friends and family is a free way to make a huge impact. So please spread the word!
More about the problems faced by stray kittens
1. Too Many Homeless Kittens
It's estimated that there are several hundred million stray cats in the world. Every year, unspayed female cats give birth to multiple litters of kittens, leading to a huge number of kittens without homes. With limited care available, they face difficult and usually short lives.
It’s hard enough for stray mother cats to care for themselves, and even more difficult to provide for their kittens. It's a tough and scary world for these little ones.
2. Not Enough Food
Stray kittens are often hungry because they struggle to find enough to eat. They don't have a reliable source of food, warmth, or protection. This lack of proper nutrition stunts their growth and development. Their weak immune systems make them vulnerable to diseases and infections.
3. Getting Sick
Without proper care, stray kittens are at a high risk of getting sick. They are exposed to dirty environments and are more likely to catch illnesses. They suffer from respiratory infections, parasites, and even dangerous viruses like feline leukemia. Without access to medical treatment, they get sicker, and their lives become shorter and filled with pain.
4. Dangers, Accidents, and Abuse
Stray kittens face many dangers while trying to survive. They are defenseless against predators, putting their lives at risk. They also face accidents like getting hit by cars or falling from heights. These injuries often go untreated, causing even more pain and suffering. Stray kittens are also at the mercy of cruel people who deliberately abuse helpless animals.
5. The Cycle of Suffering
The pet overpopulation problem continues because kittens who aren’t spayed or neutered grow up to produce more homeless kittens. This perpetuates the Cycle of Suffering, as more and more kittens are born without homes, destined to endure the same hardships. It's a never-ending cycle of pain.
How We Can Help Stray Kittens
All kittens should have a chance to be playful and energetic, and grow up happy, healthy, well-fed, and safe! We will not ignore the suffering of stray kittens. It's up to all of us to take action and make a difference. Here are some steps we can take to address the pet overpopulation crisis and prevent the suffering of stray kittens:
1. Spaying and Neutering
One of the most effective ways to tackle the pet overpopulation crisis is by ensuring that cats are spayed or neutered early in life, as soon as it is safe. This procedure prevents the birth of countless stray kittens, reducing their suffering and stopping the cycle of overpopulation.
2. Adoption and Foster Programs
By adopting or fostering stray kittens, we can provide them with loving homes and the care they need. These programs help relieve the burden on animal shelters and give stray kittens a chance at a better life.
3. Educating Others
We can raise awareness about the pet overpopulation issue and the suffering of stray kittens. By educating our communities about responsible care for companion animals, including the importance of spaying and neutering, we can make a difference.
Addressing the crisis at its source...the Spay and Neuter Cookie!
Stray kittens are innocent victims of the pet overpopulation crisis. Their lives are filled with hunger, sickness, and danger. But by taking action through spaying and neutering, adoption, fostering, and education, we can change their fate.
But beyond that, 600 Million Dogs is developing the world’s first Spay and Neuter Cookie!
Our nonprofit science-centered mission is to significantly reduce animal suffering on a global scale by developing a safe, edible, one-dose, permanent-lasting birth control Cookie for stray dogs and cats.
We believe the Cookie, once completed, will be the solution that this crisis so desperately needs.
Thank you for caring about stray cats and kittens!
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