Expert: Ali - 3/30/2009

Question
QUESTION: I have a stray cat, (one of many dropped off here), this is her 2nd litter and again no live kittens, or born alive & she killed them, why could this be?

ANSWER: Fred,

There are a number of reasons that the litters aren't surviving. It's possible that they are being born with congenital defects or that they have died in the weeks prior to birth. In a situation where a queen has lost one or more litters it's most humane to have her spayed to prevent further pregnancies. Spaying your cat has medical and behavioral benefits including reducing the risk of breast cancer, preventing uterine/ovarian cancers and preventing a potentially fatal infection of the womb called pyometra, this infection causes the uterus to fill with pus, the treatment for this infection is an emergency spay, if the uterus ruptures and spreads infection throughout the abdomen the cat's chances of survival are bleak at best. Cats who are spayed are less likely to become territorial, aggressive, excessively vocal or use urine or feces to mark their territory. Another advantage of having a cat spayed is that you will prevent unwanted litters from being born. Unfortunately countless healthy, adoptable cats and kittens are euthanized in shelters around the world every day simply because there aren't enough resources and there isn't enough time or space to keep them indefinitely while waiting for their permanent adoptive family to come along. Spaying and neutering our pets saves lives and is a responsible and ethical choice for the long term health and welfare of your pet.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for your answer. All my pets are fixed, 2 dogs & a house cat. I 100% believe in this as a pet owner.
I guess with the economy as is and me living just outside of town having a few acreas of land it seems I have become the drop off point for cats / kittens. I have tried to find homes for them, do my best to care for all, feed, health, what ever I can, including getting their shots each time the traveling vets come to town. The local Vets and or Shealters cannot offer help as they say they are in the same situation with pets being dropped off. I can only afford to spend so much. I try to limit my involvement with the strays, but cannot let them starve or go without shots when I can afford to have them giving. Each year I try to add one to being spayed or neutured, but cannot afford more than one per year because I cannot allow this to cause me to back off on my own pet care.
The shealters suggest I bring them there to be euthenized, (at my expense), that is all they can offer.  
What other options do I have? Do you know of some places in SC that offers help for strays?

Answer
Fred,

You are absolutely correct about your first responsibility being to your permanent house pets, however you have taken an active role in trying to help the stray and abandoned cats that end up in your area. I know that vet care can be very expensive so I'm going to try and help you out by finding resources in your area that would be willing to offer help beyond wholesale euthanasia of the strays that are dropped off on your property. Unfortunately many pet parents don't realize what a responsibility the precious 8 week old kitten in a shelter cage or pet store window really is which ultimately leads to serious medical and behavioral problems in addition to the obvious issue of pet overpopulation. If all pet parents took the appropriate responsibility for their cats and had them spayed/neutered as early as possible there would be far fewer stray and feral cats and shelters wouldn't be forced to euthanize healthy, adoptable cats and kittens because they are inundated beyond capacity with these cats.

I have spent a couple of hours checking out resources in North Carolina that may be helpful to you. The following is a list of resources, some are specific to North Carolina while others are for the entire US.

No Kill Shelters that may be willing to offer assistance in your situation:

2nd Chance Pet Adoptions, Cary

All Creatures Great and Small, Hendersonville

Animal Compassion Network

Animal Inn, Wilmington

Animal Rescue and Foster Program, Greensboro

Burke County Friends for Animals

CATMAN2 Inc., Cashiers

Cumberland County Animal Haven Fayetteville

Eutha-Not Animal Shelter, Inc Forest City

Forsyth Humane Society, Winston-Salem

Happy Hills Animal Foundation, Inc., Staley

Haven, The, Raeford

Henderson County Humane Society

Humane Society of Charlotte, Charlotte

Humane Society of Jackson County, Sylva

Humane Society of Randolph County

Independent Animal Rescue, Hillsborough

Let's Go home Now, Wake Forest

Paws Animal Shelter

Humane Society of Davie County - PO Box 153, Mocksville, 27028 or call 336-751-5214

J and J's Homeless Pet Rescue  PO Box 1495 Washington, NC 27889

2nd Chance Pet Adoptions, Cary

Adkins Pet Center - info@adkinspetcenter.com

Animal Compassion Network

Animal Inn, Wilmington

Animal Rescue and Foster Program, Greensboro

CATMAN2 Inc., Cashiers

Happy Hills Animal Foundation, Inc., Staley

Haven, The, Raeford

Humane Society of Charlotte, Charlotte

Humane Society of Jackson County, Sylva

Humane Society of Randolph County

Independent Animal Rescue, Hillsborough

Project HALO (Helping Animals Live On), Charlotte

Snowflake Animal Rescue Raleigh

Southport/Oak Island Animal Rescue, Southport

SAFE Haven For Cats 8431 - 137 Garvey Dr
Raleigh, NC 27616
SAFE Haven for Cats' mission is to maintain a nonprofit, no-kill shelter for stray and abandoned cats and kittens. The shelter's main goals are:
Bring attention to and alleviate the suffering of stray cats in our community.
Educate the public about pet overpopulation and promote sterilization.
Find permanent, loving, safe homes for these animals.
Go to site >> http://www.safehavenforcats.org/AboutOurShelter.html (report broken link)

Robeson County Claws and Paws Rescue Although we do not currently have a shelter building, we have many loving foster homes that are up and running!
Who We Are
Our group is dedicated and willing to do everything we can to help save the many unwanted animals in Robeson County. Please do your part and SPAY AND NEUTER to help stop the suffering of unwanted animals and help your pet live longer! Please contact us about becoming a member!
Go to site >> http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/NC588.html (report broken link)

Precious Paws Rescue 9605 E. North Tryon St
PO Box 118
Charlotte, NC 28262
Our organization is devoted to changing the way animals are treated by our society. We believe that through "leadership by example", providing community education and insight on proper care of animals, responsibilities of pet ownership, the importance of spay and neutering pets to control the population and ensure the overall health and quality of each breed, bite prevention and animal cruelty prevention ... we will be able to forever change the fate of future animals so that eventually euthanasia is only an option when it is medically necessary.
Go to site >> http://www.preciouspawsrescue.com (report broken link)

Moore Humane Society Moore Humane Society is a private, non profit organization incorporated in 1966. We operate the only non profit animal shelter located in Moore County and practice "no-kill" philosophies. We are not part of Moore County Government or animal control. We receive no government support of any kind or funding from any organization. Private donations are our only source of income and our ability to rescue homeless animals in need depends entirely on the compassion and generosity of our members.
Moore Humane Society
5355 NC Hwy 22
Carthage, NC 28388
910-947-2631
moorehumane@earthlink.net
Go to site >> http://www.moorehumane.org (report broken link)

Humane Society Of Catawba County PO Box 63
Hickory, NC 28603
The Humane Society Of Catawba County has a Mission:
To make our community a better place by serving as an advocate for companion animals. Our vision for the future is that no adoptable animal will be euthanized in Catawba County, and that animal cruelty and inhumane treatment of animals will cease to exist.
Go to site >> http://www.catawbahumane.org/ (report broken link)

Happy Hills Animal Foundation Inc. 3143 Happy Hills Dr
Staley, NC 27355

Cheryl Routh started Happy Hills in 1982 as a boarding and grooming kennel. (boarding and grooming services are still offered). In 1986, she began taking in abandoned and abused animals, and putting them up for adoption. By 1989 the rescue work had grown so much that Happy Hills Animal Foundation was incorporated as a non-profit organization.
Hundreds of dogs and cats, as well as other animals like potbellied pigs, rabbits, etc. have been rescued and adopted through Happy Hills. We are no-kill, and adoptable animals may stay with us weeks, months, even years before they find their forever home. Unfortunately, it is impossible to take in all the animals that need rescuing, and some are sent on to the county pound.
At this time, the shelter is so full that we are unable to take in owner-surrendered pets.
Go to site >> http://www.hhaf.org/www.hhaf.org/index.html (report broken link)

Adkins Pet Center Adkins Pet Center
A pet care facility dedicated to finding homes for dogs and cats. We are a non-profit, no-kill rescue organization that houses a large number of dogs, cats, puppies and kittens available for adoption. We also offer full service boarding and grooming.
We are located in Iron Staion NC, ½ mile south of the Hwy 27/Hwy 73 intersection on Hwy 27.

Forsyth Humane Society 61 Miller Street
Winston-Salem, NC 27103

The Forsyth Humane Society located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina is a not-for-profit organization committed to preventing pet overpopulation by promoting responsible pet ownership and by providing for the welfare of homeless cats and dogs.

Animals accepted into our Adoption Center are cared for until they find a new, loving home and a second chance for a happy life.
Go to site >> http://www.forsythhumane.org/ (report broken link)

Cat Angels Pet Adoption

Our goal is to help homeless, abandoned and abused cats and kittens find safe, loving, permanent homes.
At Cat Angels Pet Adoptions, every cat and kitten available for adoption has been spayed or neutered, is completely vaccinated, tested for Feline Leukemia and FIV and has been dewormed and microchipped.
Contact Us:
Phone: 919-463-9586
Address:
102-F Woodwinds Industrial Court , Cary , NC 27511
Fax: 800-715-2998
E-Mail: catangels@gmail.com
Go to site >> http://www.catangelsnc.org (report broken link)

Adkins Pet Center
3920 East Hwy 27, Iron Station NC 28080
Contact us by email: info@adkinspetcenter.com or phone: 704.736.4215
Go to site >> http://www.AdkinsPetCenter.com (report broken link)

'The Haven' Friends for Life 400 Fulford McMillan Road
Raeford, NC 28376
(910)875-6768
Director- Linden Spear
Go to site >> http://www.thehaven-nc.com (report broken link)

_____________________________________________________________________

Animal Shelters throughout North Carolina:

Adopt-A-Pet of York County
York, South Carolina 29745

Aiken SPCA / Shelter
Aiken, South Carolina 29801

Anderson County Animal Shelter
Anderson, South Carolina 29624

Anderson County Humane Society
Anderson, South Carolina 29622

Animal Adoption League
Rock hill, South Carolina 29732

Animal Allies
Spartanburg, South Carolina 29305

Animal Outreach
Rock hill, South Carolina 29731

Animal Protection League of South Carolina
Columbia, South Carolina 29250

Beaufort County Animal Shelter
Beaufort, South Carolina 29906

Beaufort Humane Association
Beaufort, South Carolina 29903

Berkeley County PAWS
Goose Creek, South Carolina 29445

Berkeley County SPCA
Goose Creek, South Carolina 29445

Carolina Basset Hound Rescue
Charleston, South Carolina 29416

Cat Rescue, Inc.
Charleston, South Carolina 29412

Cat Rescuers
Lexington, South Carolina 29072

Chester County Animal Shelter
Chester, South Carolina 29706

Colleton County SPCA
Walterboro, South Carolina 29488

Community Animal Shelter of Hampton County
Varnville, South Carolina 29944

Concerned Citizens for Animals - Simpsonville
Simpsonville, South Carolina 29681

Critter Connection
Spartanburg, South Carolina 29303

Dachshund Rescue of North America, Inc.
Columbia, South Carolina 29210

Feline Refuge, Inc.
Mount Pleasant, South Carolina 29450

Feral Friends
Goose Creek, South Carolina 29445

Florence Area Humane Society
Florence, South Carolina 29501

Foothills Humane Society
Liberty, South Carolina 29657

Frances R. Willis SPCA
Summerville, South Carolina 29484

Grand Strand Humane Society
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 29577

Grateful Goldens Rescue of the Low Country
Mt Pleasant, South Carolina 29464

Grateful Goldens Rescue of the Low Country
Mt Pleasant, South Carolina 29464

Greenville Humane Society
Greenville, South Carolina 29609

Greenwood Citizens for Animals
Greenwood, South Carolina 29648

Hilton Head Humane Association
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina 29925

Home Away From Home Rescue
Florence, South Carolina 29505

Horry County Humane Society
Conway, South Carolina 29526

Humane Society / SPCA
Columbia, South Carolina 29209

Humane Society of Cherokee County
Gaffney, South Carolina 29342

Humane Society of Greenwood
Greenwood, South Carolina 29648

Humane Society of Marlboro County
Bennettsville, South Carolina 29512

Humane Society of McCormick County, Inc.
McCormick, South Carolina 29835

Humane Society of North Myrtle Beach Inc./ Myrtle Beach Animal Shelter
North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 29582

Jasper Animal Rescue Mission
Ridgeland, South Carolina 29936

Jasper Animal Rescue Mission
Ridgeland, South Carolina 29936

John Ancrum SPCA
Charleston, South Carolina 29412

Kershaw County Humane Society
Camden, South Carolina 29020

Lancaster County Animal Control & Shelter - Lancaster County Litter Control
Lancaster, South Carolina 29720

Laurens County Humane Society
Laurens, South Carolina 29360

Lexington County Animal Control
Lexington, South Carolina 29072

Marion County SPCA
Mullins, South Carolina 29574

Miracle Animal Rescue Spay & Neuter Clinic
Tillman, South Carolina 29943

Molly's Militia, Inc.
North Augusta, South Carolina 29861

Morningstar Animal Rescue & Referral
Ridgeland, South Carolina 29936

NetPets
N. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 29597

New Hope Pit Bull Rescue
Goose Creek, South Carolina 29445

Newberry County Animal Care and Control
Newberry, South Carolina 29108

Noahs Ark Animal Sanctuary & People Against Cruelty
Ridgeland, South Carolina 29936

Oconee County Humane Society
Walhalla, South Carolina 29691

Orangeburg County Animal Shelter
Orangeburg, South Carolina 29116

Our Lady of Mercy's Catnip Cottage
Summerville, South Carolina 29483

Pet Haven of South Carolina
Greenville, South Carolina 29607

Pet Helpers
Charleston, South Carolina 29412

Pets, Inc.
West Columbia, South Carolina 29171

Project Pet
Columbia, South Carolina 29202

Purr-Fect Kitty Rescue
Cowpens, South Carolina 29330

Recycled Pets
Rock Hill, South Carolina 29731

Richardson Rescue
York, South Carolina 29745

Sacred Vision Animal Sanctuary
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 29588

Save Our Strays
Lexington, South Carolina 29071

Save the Strays Animal Rescue
Bethune, South Carolina 29009

Spartanburg Humane Society
Spartanburg, South Carolina 29303

SPCA Humane Organization
Sumter, South Carolina 29150

SPCA Orangeburg
Orangeburg, South Carolina 29115

St. Frances Humane Society
Georgetown, South Carolina 29440

Tri-County Humane Society
St. Matthews, South Carolina 29135

True Ethics for Animals Rescue Sanctuary (tears)
Beaufort, South Carolina 29901

Union County Animal Control
Union, South Carolina 29379

Union County Humane Society
Union, South Carolina 29379

Walter Crowe Animal Shelter
Camden, South Carolina 29020

WARM - Waccamaw Animal Rescue Mission
Conway, South Carolina 29528

York County Humane Society
Fort Mill, South Carolina 29708

_____________________________________________________________________

Organizations that may provide assistance with spay/neuter surgeries, medical care, etc:

Pet Helpers Low Cost Spay/Neuter Clinic

Is currently open Monday through Thursday from 8:00 to 6:00. Appointments are necessary please call 843-302-0556. Click here for fees and services.

Pet Helpers Spay/Neuter Assistance Vouchers


If the clinic prices are still too steep for an individual Pet Helpers offers vouchers to assist with the cost of the surgery.  Generally we provide certificates for $10 towards a neuter and $15 towards a spay however, if further assistance is needed we can provide that as well. Please call the shelter at 795-1110 if you need assistance or feel free to stop in at 1447 Folly Road on James Island.

Humane Net $20 Low Income Spay/Neuter Voucher Program

In addition Pet Helpers currently administers a low income spay/neuter voucher program funded by Humane Net, a collaboration of local SPCA’s, Private adoption agencies, animal shelters, rescue groups, and animal control officers that serves as an animal welfare communication network. One of their goals is to promote spay and neuter to the community as a means to controlling pet overpopulation. The Humane Net Spay/Neuter Assistance works in the following manner:

The Program: Provides spay/neuter vouchers at participating veterinarians for $20.00. The $20.00 includes spay/neuter and vaccines required by the clinic (distemper or rabies only).  Any additional costs due to complications with the surgery are the responsibility of the individual.  There may be additional charges for pregnant animals, animals in heat or animals that are cyrptoric (undescended testicals) please let the individual know that and they must discuss with the clinic they choose.

Eligibility:   To be eligible for the program, individuals must be enrolled in one of the following programs or have an income low enough to be eligible (200% of the USDA Poverty Guidelines – you must provide a check stub or your income tax returns for the previous year).

         Food Stamps
         Medicaid or Medicare
         Unemployment
         TANF  
         Aid to the handicap
         Social Security Disability
         Social Security Income          

Individuals must send proof  and money to:
Humane Net
1447 Folly Road
Charleston, SC 29412

or you may stop by Pet Helpers to apply.


Limitations:  

Must reside in the Tri-county area
Only 4 vouchers per individual allowed
Feral cats are not eligible
Click her for an application or call 843.795.1110 to find out more about this program.

The Feline Fix – Spay/Neuter Assistance for Feral Felines

Pet Helper’s advocates the use of non-lethal feline population control including trap/neuter/return.  The Feline Fix provides assistance to feral cat caregivers by loaning and educating on the use of traps, hosting free spay/neuter clinics and providing food for colonies when available.  

Upcoming spay/neuter clinics will be posted on our web site. Please call 302-0556 to inquire about feral feline pricing and policies.

Berkeley County Paws Spay/Neuter Incentive Program

Free spay/neuter for pets of qualified residents in the Low Country area. For an application, send your request with a self-addressed, stamped envelope to PAWS.

Berkeley County PAWS
PO Box 903
Goose Creek, SC 29445
843-207-PAWS
berkeleycopaws@yahoo.com

Intake Policy


Pet Helpers keeps all pets until they are adopted. Therefore space is limited and we cannot accept all animals.  Animals are accepted on a space available basis, or if a determination is made that the welfare of the animal is in jeopardy.  

You must set up an appointment before bringing in any animals. This allows Pet Helpers to make sure that all of our animals remain healthy and are as comfortable as possible.

SPAY - NEUTER CERTIFICATE INSTRUCTIONS

HUMANE NET
P.O. Box 952, Ladson SC 29456
843-875-4031

Select a participating veterinarian from the list of spay/neuter clinics. Your spay/neuter certificate can be used at these participating veterinarians.
Call the veterinarian’s office and make an appointment for the spay/neuter procedure. You will also want to ask the following.

A. Ask what vaccinations the veterinarian will require in order to admit your animal. If your animal has not already had these vaccinations (rabies and distemper), the veterinarian will provide them on the day of the procedure at no additional charge.

B. IMPORTANT-Talk to the veterinarian about any procedures that they require which will not be covered by your certificate. These charges will be your responsibility. Different veterinarians have different requirements so please feel free to call more than one vet on the list to find the one that works best for your situation.

C. Ask for pre-surgery instructions. For the health and safety of your pet, it is very important that you follow these instructions! If you do not follow these instructions-please let your veterinarian know.


D. Ask what time your animal should be dropped off and when your animal will be ready to be picked up so that you can plan accordingly.


E. If for some reason you are unable to make your scheduled appointment, please call the veterinarian’s office as soon as possible to cancel your appointment and reschedule.

F. Remember that your certificate expires 60 days from the date of issue. So please make your appointment as soon as possible after you purchase your certificate. Expired certificates are nonrefundable. Certificates must be brought to the veterinarian for redemption.  


G. This certificate is null and void if tail docking, ear cropping, or any other cosmetic procedure is to be done at the same time of the spaying and neutering.

If you have any other questions about the s/n procedure or about using your certificate, please do not hesitate to contact either your participating veterinarian or Humane Net.

To print or download the Certificate Instructions click on this link.
s-n_instructions[1].doc

Spay and Neuter Participating Clinics
Spay_Neuter_Clinics_updated_9-28[1].doc

CAS Spay/Neuter Clinic
   2455 Remount Road
Charleston, South Carolina 29407
(843) 556-SPAY (7729)

Monday  and Saturday 8:30-5pm
Tuesday- Friday 8:30 am - 7:00 PM

Spaying or neutering your pet…. It’s good for you, your pet, and your community. Spay/neuter improves pet health and behavior while lessening the burden on overcrowded animal shelters and taxpayers.” In theory, two unaltered cats and all their descendants can number 420,000 in just seven years! Spaying and neutering is the most humane way to end pet overpopulation!

Charleston Animal Society

Our Mission
The CAS Spay/Neuter Clinic is a non-profit organization that opened it's doors to the public on June 27th, 1997, with a mission to stop the overpopulation of unwanted pets.
We are accomplishing our mission by providing low-cost sterilization for all dog & cat owners' in the Lowcountry, regardless of income.
In our first full year, we performed 4800 sterilization surgeries, and our goal for the future is to perform 6000 surgeries per year!
Our Services
The primary service we provide is to spay or neuter your pets:
Canine* (Dog)  Feline* (Cat)
Spay $80- $90 Spay $60
Neuter $60-$70 Neuter $50
*Based on weight. We cannot service animals over 100lbs.
Prices are subject to change.
The Spay/Neuter Clinic also offers other services to your pets at the time of surgery, most are offered at a reduced rate. Some of these include flea treatments, dewormers, heartworm preventative, vaccines, and diagnostics.
Please be advised that this is a one-time only service for each pet and we encourage you to see your regular veterinarian for all other check-ups. The Spay/Neuter Clinic can not refer you to a veterinarian.

For Additional Assistance
with Spaying and Neutering your pet, call Humane Net "Fix Your Friend" Spay Neuter Campaign. (843) 875-4031 $20 including shots!
You can prevent pet overpopulation!
Watch this Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMzW3LIkNLA

_____________________________________________________________________

General Resources throughout North Carolina and the USA which may be willing to offer assistance of varying descriptions for you and the stray cats that you rescue:

IMOM Inc., www.IMOM.org
Help-A-Pet, www.helpapet.org
The Pet Fund, www.thepetfund.com
United Animal Nations LifeLine Fund, www.uan.org
Angels for Animals, www.angels4animals.org
Feline Outreach, www.felineoutreach.org
Cats In Crisis, http://www.catsincrisis.org
Ashleys Angel Fund, http://www.ashleyfund.org

It is my sincere hope that you will be able to find some no kill shelters willing to help you out by offering to place one or more cats for you, covering medical expenses or even helping with the cost of food for the abandoned cats that you care for. With any luck one or more organizations will be willing to spay/neuter all of the rescued strays so that you can concentrate on providing the best possible care for these cats until they are adopted into their forever home. Unfortunately due to the sheer number of resources I am not able to contact them to find out whether or not they would be willing to offer you some form of help in caring for the cats abandoned in your area by people in your community. I would be interested to hear any feedback that you might have about any resources as it will help me to better help others in difficult situations in the future. Things that would be important to pass on include charities or shelters that no longer exist, organizations totally unwilling to help in any capacity or other such difficulties. There will probably be a certain number of organizations that are not able to offer assistance as we are in the midst of kitten season and many people do not understand the serious need to control the pet population by sterilizing their pet at an early age. I wish you the best of luck in finding help caring for these cats and I look forward to hearing from you in future.