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Cat lovers target overpopulation By JENNIFER PATTERSON, Staff writer ALBANY -- It's not uncommon to find Sue Mahar catching stray and feral cats near her home in the heart of the Pine Hills neighborhood. The retired state worker has been rescuing her feline neighbors for more than 20 years and now works with Noah's Kingdom Humane Society. The nonprofit animal care organization recently joined forces with Robin Paniccia from Robin's Nest Rescued Cats and Sue Green from Guilderhaven, an animal rescue group, to form the Cat Care Coalition. The group's goal is lofty: to end the cat overpopulation problem in the Capital Region. "For every stray you see, there are 10 more hiding in the shadows," Mahar said. "Most pet owners want to do the right thing and get their cats fixed, but some just can't afford the expense." And spaying/neutering procedures are expensive. The average cost locally for surgical altering is about $300, and sometimes even more, depending on the veterinarian, Mahar said. Before a surgery is performed, most vets require cats to undergo an examination, including blood work and vaccinations, which adds to the bill. With expenses soaring and budgets tightening, many families can't afford the added financial strain of caring for a pet. But the Cat Care Coalition can help ease the burden. The group holds two reduced-cost spay/neuter clinics a month at the Central Veterinary Hospital on Central Avenue. The income-qualified program is based on federal HUD guidelines; if a person is approved, his or her cat will be tested for FIV/FeLV, spayed or neutered and vaccinated against rabies and distemper for $60. The Central Vet Hospital recently expanded its facility, which now boasts spacious exam rooms, the most modern surgical gear, a large hall for training classes and a boarding space that even the most pampered pet would approve of. Veterinarian Michel Hardaker do nated her facility's former surgery suite to help further the Cat Care Coalition's cause. "Many veterinary hospitals are being bought up by corporate entities, which takes the community part out of the service we provide," said Hardaker, who took over the Central Avenue practice more than 20 years ago. "Animals are getting a level of care here that they wouldn't normally receive at a clinic." The Animal Protective Foundation in Scotia has also developed a reduced cost spay/neuter service for cats, similar to the one offered by the Cat Care Coalition. The shelter subcontracts the administration of the program to Robin's Nest Rescued Cats, Guilderhaven and the Montgomery County SPCA, charging $70 (Montgomery County SPCA charges $75). The clinic is held three days a week by appointment only. For information, call Sue Mahar at 466-8484, Robin's Nest at 868-9935 or Guilderhaven at 861-6861. Jennifer Patterson can be reached at 454-5340 or by e-mail at jpatterson@timesunion.com. |