Peoria – February is “Prevent a Litter” Month and February 26 is World Spay Day. In observance of this month, Peoria County Animal Protection Services (PCAPS) encourages pet owners to spay and neuter their cats. This time of year, outdoor cats begin breeding, which results in thousands of kittens born in our community. Some of these kittens suffer and die before maturity; others grow up feral and produce more kittens. This cycle can be broken, however, by spaying or neutering cats for a 100% effective method of birth control.

By spaying or neutering, pet owners ensure additional offspring will not be added to the millions of already suffering, abandoned animals. Spaying or neutering barn cats helps stabilize the feline population, prevent unwanted births, and reduce the burden of additional animals for farmers. People with barn cats may obtain a barn cat caretaker license that exempts them from licensing fees and other requirements.

Peoria County residents in need of assistance for spaying or neutering their pets, or those who would like to learn more about the barn cat caretaker license, may call PCAPS at (309) 672-2440.