WPCNR FELINE REPORTER. From the SPCA. May 31, 2005: The SPCA of Westchester is gearing up for its annual Adopt-A-Cat Month beginning in June and the kick off of  “Kitten Season,” when stray cats give birth throughout the summer.  During this time, many animal shelters, animal rescue groups and humane societies across the country overflow with litters of kittens. The SPCA of Westchester typically takes in nearly 100 cats and kittens per month, putting a huge strain on shelter resources.

“Cats generally give birth when the weather is warm, and many people bring us stray pregnant cats or litters of kittens that have been abandoned,” said Steve Diller, SPCA Executive Director.  “Often these newborns must be bottle-fed, and cannot be adopted out until they are at least seven weeks old.”

Cats have become the pet of choice for many people who work long hours or live in apartments, and don’t have the time or the space for a pet puppy or dog.  Cats are also perfect companions for senior citizens.  Every year, the SPCA of Westchester places more than 500 cats into new, loving homes. 

All adoption fees include a free veterinary check up and spaying or neutering at the SPCA’s Simpson Clinic.   The SPCA of Westchester requires spaying or neutering for all cats and kittens adopted from its shelter, since just one female cat and her offspring can produce over 10,000 more cats in a five-year period. 

To adopt a kitten or cat, please visit the shelter at 590 North State Road in Briarcliff Manor, Monday through Saturday between 10am and 4pm and Sundays between 1pm and 4pm. For information on the SPCA's low-cost spay/neuter program for the general public, please call the Simpson Clinic at (914) 762-4842.

A not-for-profit humane organization, the SPCA of Westchester serves as the sole animal cruelty prevention and intervention agency for Westchester County.  Each year its agents investigate over 1,000 cases of suspected animal abuse, resulting in steps to correct the problem if evidence of cruelty is found.  Through the Simpson Spay/Neuter Clinic, the SPCA offers to the public low-cost spay/neuter surgeries and vaccinations in an effort to help people keep their pets healthy.  Each year the animal shelter adopts more than 800 homeless companion animals into loving new homes and reunites another 300 lost pets with their families.  Recognized as a “no-kill” shelter, the SPCA never euthanizes an adoptable animal unless it is terminally ill and suffering or exhibits extreme aggression.