As kitten season approaches, Santa Barbara Humane is working to help prevent unwanted litters by offering $5 spay and neuter surgeries for cats at both its Santa Maria and Santa Barbara campuses.
“Each spring, animal shelters across the country see a surge in kitten intakes, straining resources and adding to the population of cats in need of homes,” Santa Barbara Humane said. “By making spay and neuter surgeries more accessible, Santa Barbara Humane aims to reduce the number of cats entering shelters while also improving feline health and well-being.”
“Spaying and neutering is one of the most impactful ways we can help cats in our community,” said Dr. Katie Marrie, chief veterinary officer at Santa Barbara Humane. “Not only does it prevent unplanned litters, but it also provides significant health benefits and can help curb certain unwanted behaviors.”
An unaltered female cat can give birth to as many as 180 kittens in her lifetime, contributing to the estimated 3.2 million cats that enter U.S. shelters each year, Santa Barbara Humane said.
Many more cats live as strays, facing dangers such as wildlife encounters, illness, and traffic hazards. Spay and neuter surgeries provide a humane and effective solution to overpopulation while helping cats live longer, healthier lives, Santa Barbara Humane said.
Research shows that spayed female cats live 39% longer than unspayed females, and neutered male cats live 62% longer than unneutered males.
The procedure also helps reduce behaviors like spraying, fighting, and roaming in male cats and eliminates the distressing yowling and restlessness associated with female cats in heat.
Thanks to a grant from ResQCats, Santa Barbara Humane is able to offer $5 spay and neuter surgeries for cats for a limited time.
In 2024 Santa Barbara Humane performed 7,760 spay/neuter surgeries, helping to curb pet overpopulation and improve animal welfare across Santa Barbara County.
Appointments for spay and neuter surgeries are required and can be scheduled online at sbhumane.org/clinic or by calling 805-964-4777, ext. 205.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Santa Barbara Humane is the oldest animal welfare agency in Santa Barbara County, serving the community for over 135 years.