Remember folks, spay and neuter your pets

SPIRIT LAKE - Cat owners will have the opportunity to spay or neuter their beloved felines inexpensively June 1 during Catapalooza Spay Day at Timberlake Litter Control in Spirit Lake.

The clinic is altering females for only $15 and males for $10. Registration begins at 7 a.m. and the first 100 cats will be accepted.

"As soon as we get a cat, we'll start," said veterinarian Mary McKinney. McKinney said the clinic is hoping to alter 50 males and 50 females.

"It is healthier for the pet," she said. "They live much longer lives."

She added that spaying and neutering eliminates sexually driven feline behavior and ultimately saves lives.

"Millions, if not billions, of animals are killed in shelters every year," she said. "Completely healthy animals, because people didn't think it was important to fix them."

McKinney said altered animals require one-third less pet food, which saves owners money.

"This turns the old wives tale 'I fixed my dog/cat and it got fat' on its head," she said.

Vaccines will also be available for reasonable prices. The clinic is not taking reservations or appointments, so the services are first-come, first-served.

If people don't get to the Catapalooza event, certificates will be available for 10 percent off a feline neuter and 15 percent off a feline spay from the normal pricing.

The event will also feature snacks from Annie's Country Kitchen in Spirit Lake.

"It saddens me that cats are not valued as dogs, even by some local shelters," she said. "I would identify myself as a dog person, but I am also 'owned' by three wonderful rescue cats who have unique personalities and really play a positive role in my family's home life."

Timberlake Litter Control is at 6285 W. Maine St. in Spirit Lake.

Info: 310-0878.