We had our first pregnant cat of the spring season come into the shelter several weeks ago. She was extra large and ready to deliver at any time.

   It’s such a bittersweet feeling … we love seeing the kittens, but deep down we know we will struggle to find homes for them all once we are in “full kitten season.”

   It’s estimated that each day across the country, more than 70,000 puppies and kittens are born. And there just aren’t enough responsible homes for all these animals. Think about this: A female cat can start reproducing as early as 5 months of age. If left unaltered, she and her offspring can produce 420,000 cats in only 7 years. One unaltered female dog and her offspring can produce 67,000 dogs in only 6 years. Those numbers are absolutely astonishing.

   So what’s the solution?

   Spaying and neutering your pet! Spaying and neutering provide many practical benefits as well as preventing animal overpopulation.

   A once-common myth we still hear all the time: “My pet will get fat and lazy if I neuter him.” I always reply: “Your pet will get fat and lazy only because YOU let him!” Your pet’s metabolism may slow down, but providing proper diet and exercise will keep your pet at its optimal weight.

   Spaying a female dog or cat will eliminate its heat cycle, which can last 15 days twice a year in dogs and anywhere from 3 to 15 days, 3 or more times a year, for cats. Spaying and neutering reduces the risk of certain cancers. Your pet will also be more content and less likely to roam, bite, scratch, fight and mark its territory.

   Lastly, the latest medical findings indicate that you pet will live a longer and healthier life if it is spayed or neutered; an average of 1-3 years for dogs and 3-5 years for cats.

   So provide your pet with a longer and healthier life. And reduce the number of homeless dogs and cats in your community, your state, your nation, the world.

   By the way, our first pregnant mom did deliver a kitten. And I am happy to report they both were adopted by a wonderful LaPorte family. We feel really fortunate that mom and baby got to stay together. There isn’t always such a happy ending …

   Paws till next time — Jane

JANE BERNARD is director of the LaPorte County Small Animal Shelter. Visit the shelter at 2855 W. Ind. 2. Hours are Monday, Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Tuesday and Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Or call 326-1637 or visit http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/IN89.html.