INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Animal welfare leaders in Indianapolis are calling for increased cat adoption and responsible pet care to address the growing number of cats in U.S. shelters.
Tom Dock of Noah’s Animal Hospitals and Dawn Benefield of Indy Neighborhood Cats are working together to promote spaying, neutering, and adoption as part of a broader effort to reduce shelter populations.
According to Shelter Animals Count, 2.9 million cats entered shelters across the U.S. in 2024. While 2 million were either adopted or returned to their original homes, up to 600,000 cats still remain in need of permanent placement.
“We need to break that cycle, and we need to get these guys into homes and get them fixed as soon as possible,” said Dock.
Indy Neighborhood Cats sends kittens to Indie Humane, where they receive vaccinations and sterilization before being made available for adoption. This step helps curb overpopulation and ensures shelters can better manage their animal intake.
Female cats can start reproducing as early as four to five months of age, making early spaying and neutering essential to population control.
The cost of owning a cat over its 15-year average lifespan can reach $20,000. This estimate includes expenses like food, toys, and veterinary care.
Since 2019, cat adoptions have steadily increased, partly due to cats being more adaptable to small homes and requiring less care than dogs.
Efforts by organizations like Noah’s Animal Hospitals and Indy Neighborhood Cats are helping to improve the lives of cats while encouraging the public to open their homes to a new feline friend.
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