This month Dr. Jacqui writes about Taking Action to Help Cats

Our country is in a cat crisis. The crisis is not a new disease, the crisis is pet overpopulation. Your cat is lucky because she has a loving home. But in the United States, our most popular household pet, the cat, ironically and tragically is also the pet most likely to die from a lack of homes. It is estimated that over 3 million cats will end up in shelters this year and less than 5% of those cats will be reclaimed by their owners. Some fortunate cats will be adopted but ultimately millions of cats will be euthanized in shelters because of pet overpopulation. And while those facts and figures are heartbreaking, they should encourage and inspire feline friends to help cats in need. There are many ways that you can help, some suggestions are offered below:

In your home:

• Have your cat spayed or neutered before 6 months of age.
• Have your cat microchipped and register your contact information with the microchip company, making sure to update information if you move or change your phone number.
• Get a cat safe collar and identification tags for your cat.
• Consider adopting another cat. With the odor controlling carbon in Fresh Step® litter your house will stay fresh and clean smelling even with another cat!

Shelter Cats:

• Purchase specially marked boxes of Fresh Step® litter; a portion of the proceeds of these specially marked orange boxes goes to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) to help cats in need find loving homes.
• Join the ASPCA. The ASPCA works to rescue animals from abuse, pass humane laws and share resources with shelters nationwide.
• Volunteer at your local shelter. Helping with animal care is just one aspect of shelter volunteerism. Most shelters use volunteers in a wide variety of contexts including marketing, fundraising, customer service, accounting and construction. There is a good chance that your unique skill set is needed at your local shelter.
• At your next celebration, request that guests bring a gift for the cats — then donate those gifts to your local shelter.
• Instead of getting a traditional gift for family/friends for celebrations, make a donation to an animal charity in their honor.
• Follow local and national animal related legislative initiatives and make sure to vote.