CATS Gets $30K for Spaying, Neutering

 Cat Adoption Team Services (CATS) of East Providence has received a $30,000 Spay Me Grant from the Petco Foundation to help low-income pet owners and to help relieve the cat overpopulation problem in Rhode Island. The funds will be used primarily cat owners in East Providence, Providence, West Warwick, Central Falls and Woonsocket.

"Many people don't realize the intense need for financial assistance for spay and neuter to low-income pet owners, said Rita Falaguerra, of East Providence, director of CATS. "Additionally, we have a severe cat overpopulation in our state. Every year thousands of cats are euthanized in Rhode Island and many more remain homeless on our streets not only in our big cities but in our small towns as well."

Cat overpopulation is a life-and death problem which can only be solved through spaying and neutering as it is 100% effective, she said. Statistics show one male cat can father 420,000 kittens in just five years.

CATS is an all-volunteer, non-profit. It goes to the Providence Petco every Sunday from 11 am  to 3 pm to show homeless cats for adoption.

"The Petco Foundation has been an integral part of assisting us in adopting many cats and kittens each year,” said Falaguerra. “They provide us a great location to show homeless cats, much needed pet food donations and funds which enable us to help save so many cats each year. They are a true partner in rescue and, as a corporation, they really put their money where their mouth is.”

CATS received the check on Monday, Jan. 28, at the Providence Petco. Among the local officials present were Providence Mayor Angel Tavares, East Providence Assistant Mayor Thomas Rose and Rep. Joy Hearn of Barrington and Riverside.