By Carey Sharp 

Mower County Humane Society

The warmth of the holiday season has arrived coupled with an extreme plunge in air temperature.

Although the cold and snow provide a picture perfect Christmas season, conditions can be unbearable for cats and dogs that are forced to fend for themselves outside. Added pressure is felt by the MCHS staff as more calls come in regarding animals outside in inclement weather.

The amount of calls regarding cats is especially excessive. Simply taking a drive through town and seeing the large number of cats running loose is shocking and frustrating. The leash law in Austin does apply to both cats and dogs, yet far too many people choose to ignore it. Many loose cats seek shelter in garages, under decks, and even inside the engines of cars. They can get frostbite and they can freeze to death. Many will do whatever they can to get back inside where it’s warm.

So what can be done if someone finds a “stray” cat? The first impulse of many people is to call the humane society. However, with 130 cats on site and a waiting list, the MCHS simply cannot take in any more.

The MCHS does not take in any cat right off the street. Cats that enter the shelter have to be vet checked first to prevent the cross contamination of any contagious illnesses.

Cats that are found and considered stray within city limits can be turned into the city pound. This is done by calling law enforcement at 437-9400 and speaking to a Community Service Officer (CSO). The cat will be held for ten days to give its owner a chance to claim it.

A lot of people hesitate to turn a cat into the city pound, thinking it is an automatic death sentence. The MCHS enjoys a cooperative relationship with law enforcement. An unclaimed cat will become the property of the MCHS. It will first be vet checked to deem it healthy enough for adoption. The medical expense is the sole responsibility of the MCHS. When a pen is available and the vet check is completed, the cat will enter the shelter.

The effort of caring for such a large number of cats is a huge strain on cat side volunteers. The new facility was designed to house around 100 cats. Volunteers hope to eventually bring the number of cats on site down to a more manageable number. This will be difficult due to the number of intake requests received.

People can help by spaying and neutering and keeping cats inside where they are safe. Adopting can also help.

The MCHS will be hosting the MN Spay and Neuter Assistance Program (MN SNAP) on Jan. 24th. Low cost spay/neuter surgeries, vaccinations, and micro chipping are available to eligible residents. Contact MN SNAP at mnsnap.org or 612-720-8236 for more information.

Thank you for donations in memory of Jean King, Genevieve Medgaarden, Ray Sellers, Robert McNiff, “Scarlett” Howden, Michael Tray, “Murphy”, Kenny Guy, Bill Sayles, Dana Legried, and William Lewis.