CATS102007

Humane Society blames weather for an 'explosion of cats' in Twin Cities

"An exploding population" of stray cats and kittens has inundated Animal Humane Society shelters in the Twin Cities area, and the society is issuing an "urgent call" for the public's help.

Last update: October 19, 2007 - 1:12 PM

"An exploding population" of stray cats and kittens has inundated Animal Humane Society shelters in the Twin Cities area, and the society is issuing an "urgent call" for the public's help.

The Humane Society said more than 2,000 cats were surrendered in September to its five facilities in Golden Valley, St. Paul, Coon Rapids, Buffalo and Woodbury.

And just Wednesday, Humane Society workers seized 105 cats from a cat rescue operation in rural Isanti County. Those cats are being prepared for adoption.

Warmer springs and falls in the past decade are being blamed for the "worsening problem of cat overpopulation," the society said in a news release this week.

"Free-roaming outdoor cats that are not sterilized are responsible for the huge influx of cats and kittens," said Kathie Johnson, the society's director of veterinary services. "Each year we are receiving new litters of strays earlier in the spring and later in the fall, resulting in more and more stray cats."

The Humane Society is urging the public to get their cats spayed or neutered. Also, the society is offering senior citizens a discount when they adopt adult cats this month.

For more information, visit www.animalhumanesociety.org or call 763-489-2201.

PAUL WALSH