Raining cats at Animal Care

MAT-SU— Thirty eight cats found a home through the Matanuska-Susitna Borough Animal Care in the first week of September. But that same week 38 new cats and kittens arrived. All but two of those cats were from the same cat family—three generations—dropped off by someone anonymously.

Today the Animal Care Shelter has 90 cats and kittens that need a home, a number which is becoming the norm and just below full capacity, said Bob Haskell, Animal Care Chief.

“Pet owners often don't spay their cats. Some might see it as inhumane or too expensive. However, the offspring don't always find a home. A kitten is physically mature enough to conceive at just four months,” Haskell said.

The shelter is in the planning stages for reallocating space at the shelter to long-term cat housing. Long-term means generally three weeks or longer.

Spaying for a cat costs about $80 at a private practice. Haskell said he is working at returning a program that offers spaying at a lower rate.

Dr. Katrina Zwolinksi, the Borough Veterinarian, supervises the daily care and medical decisions of the animals in care of the Borough. “The spaying or neutering of just one animal could lead to saving hundreds of lives when you consider the far-reaching problem of overpopulation of pets,” Zwolinski said.

For adoptions please visit the Shelter at 9470 Chanlyut Circle off 49th State Street next to the landfill from 11 am to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Or view pets online at www.petharbor.com

On Oct. 6, the Borough is holding adoption day at the Palmer Senior Center, 831 S. Chugach St. from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Both Dogs and Cats available for adoption.

For more information call Bob Haskell at 746-5500 or email him at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Photos by Robert Haskell/MSB.