Global warming blamed for cat population explosion

[RebLem]

Global Warming Key Factor in Increase of Cat Population

Increasing temperatures across country major factor as cat populations rise at alarming rates

KANSAS CITY, Mo., June 6 /PRNewswire/ -- These days cats outnumber dogs by 13.5 million and that number is growing. Today more than ever, animal shelters across the United States are reporting sky-rocketing influxes of cats and kittens being brought into their agencies. Many believe global warming is extending cat breeding seasons and causing the cat population to swell.

According to Kathy Warnick, president of Pets Across America -- the largest umbrella organization for animal shelters serving more than 130 million people, global warming is thought to be a contributing factor to the dramatic increase of stray, owned, and feral cats.

"Cats are typically warm-weather, spring-time breeders," reminds Warnick, who also serves as president of the Humane Society of Missouri. "However, states that typically experience primarily longer and colder winters are now seeing shorter, warmer winters, leading to year-round breeding. Basically, there is no longer a reproduction lull with cat breeding cycles and unfortunately, it seems more people are bringing boxes of kittens into our agencies during winter now."

Across the nation, shelters are reporting spikes in their cat and kitten intakes. Several Pets Across America shelters experienced an increase of more than 30 percent from 2005 to 2006. The organization associates their steady increase of cat intake -- a startling 7 percent last year alone -- to likely be an example of how warmer climates really do affect the number of cats breeding more frequently.

"We have long discussed the benefits of spaying and neutering cats. It is likely that global warming is probably not going to be slowing any time soon, therefore, it benefits everyone when pet owners take action and spay and neuter their pet," says Bob Rohde, vice-president of Pets Across America and president of the Dumb Friends League in Denver, Colo.

"Some pet owners have expressed concern about the costs of spaying and neutering their pet. In fact, several had indefinitely postponed the process all together," says Warnick. "Pets Across America encourages responsible pet ownership practices, with the most important being getting your pets spayed or neutered. Pets Across America member shelters have tried to make this process easier and more cost efficient in hopes that current and future pet owners will utilize available spay-neuter services in their communities."

An exceptional variety of cats and kittens are available for adoption immediately. If you're thinking about adopting a pet, visit a Pets Across America shelter today.

For more information about pet adoption, spaying and neutering, and shelters near you, visit http://www.petsacrossamerica.org/.

Pets Across America is the only umbrella organization raising funds for local humane shelters with its members comprising the country's oldest and largest animal welfare organizations. The mission of Pets Across America is to care for tens of millions of lost, abandoned, and surrendered animals in need. The 501(c)3 organization's animal shelters continuously provide educational support programs, as well as numerous opportunities for animal lovers seeking to adopt a pet. For more information, please visit http://www.petsacrossamerica.org/.

Website: http://www.petsacrossamerica.org/

http://sev.prnewswire.com/environmental-services/20070606/AQW12906062007-1.html