06/29/2025
We do have mixed feelings about spay abortions, but we get it.
For dogs early in their pregnancy, if we don't know they're pregnant when they are being spayed then we usually continue on with the spay procedure. :'( But if it's obvious that a dog is very far along in their pregnancy to the point where we would have to possibly euthanize the babies upon delivery, then of course we don't do it.l and we exceptnthe responsibility and promise that this will be this dog's "last litter".
As a medical needs rescue every life is precious to us and we do everything we can to ensure the quality of the forever homes even if it means we have to work that much harder.
That being said though in the cat world, I can understand it sadly. Dogs and cats live two completely different lives in rescue. Many, many cats are part of the TNR World, which means that a rescue will trap them, alter them and then release them back into the feral Colony they came from.
Cats can live a fair lifestyle in a well-managed and protected colony. That means a colony that has a human that monitors the health and well-being of every cat in that colony, has taken the time to alter, microchip and devote resources to maintain the health of the cats in The Colony. I don't think it's good for them, but it is better than the sad alternative.
TNR is something that we could never do the dog rescue world though, could you just imagine? It's not even an option for dogs.
Also in regards to breeding, dogs generally only have two litters per year at the most, and aren't usually sexually active until after 6 months, where cats can have four or more litters and get pregnant as young as 4 months and immediately after having a literate kittens. Cats produce way more than many rescues can feasibly find homes.
I get it, my heart goes out to all my friends who run cat rescues. I know it's not easy. So please, if you have felines in your home, get them spayed and neutered.
Do not contribute to the problem.
Many shelters and rescues have low-cost spay and neuter options especially designed for cats. There's not nearly that many options for dogs. But that's okay if you need to get your cats altered contact me for a list. We are adding to it every day so that hopefully we will have a comprehensive list of low cost options in every County.
Thank you for everybody who is helping with the cats population problem.
WHY SPAY DURING PREGNANCY CAN BE THE KINDEST OPTION
Spaying a pregnant cat, also called “spay-abort,” is never an easy decision. But in many cases, it’s made with care, compassion, and the greater good in mind.
Here’s why some caregivers and veterinarians choose this path:
PREVENTING FUTURE SUFFERING
While kittens are precious, the reality is that there are more cats than homes. Many kittens born on the streets or in overcrowded shelters don’t survive or end up in lifelong hardship. Spaying during pregnancy helps prevent more animals from being born into suffering.
PROTECTING THE MOTHER CAT
Pregnancy and birth take a physical toll, especially for young, sick, or malnourished cats. Spaying during pregnancy can protect her health and give her a better quality of life without the added strain of raising kittens.
GIVING EVERYONE A BETTER CHANCE
In rescue and Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs, caregivers are often overwhelmed with limited resources. Preventing just one litter allows fosters, shelters, and volunteers to focus on the cats and kittens already in need of homes and care.
A DECISION MADE WITH HEART
Every cat matters. Choosing to spay during pregnancy is not taken lightly. It’s often the most humane option to help control overpopulation and give existing cats the best chance at a healthy, safe life.
❤️ 🐾
THE EMOTIONAL SIDE OF SPAY AND ABORT DECISIONS
A compassionate perspective for pet owners and animal welfare advocates
Spay and abort procedures can be emotionally complex for the humans involved—whether you’re a pet owner, a rescuer, or part of an animal welfare team. These decisions, though often made with care and responsibility, can carry deep psychological and emotional weight.
EMOTIONAL RESPONSES
Many individuals feel guilt, sadness, or grief, especially when the procedure involves ending a pregnancy. These feelings may stem from a belief in allowing natural processes or from a deep emotional bond with the animal.
At the same time, there can be a sense of relief and purpose knowing the procedure helps reduce suffering and prevent overpopulation. It’s not unusual to experience conflicted emotions—both sorrow and reassurance.
IMPACT AND RELATIONSHIPS
Partners, families, or even rescue team members may hold different views on spay-abort decisions. These differences can lead to stress or disagreement.
Compassionate, open conversations—with space for empathy and understanding—are key to supporting one another through emotionally difficult choices.
LONG-TERM EMOTIONAL EFFECTS
In some cases, the emotional impact may linger. People may experience anxiety, sadness, or even depression, especially if the decision was made under pressure or in crisis situations.
Acknowledging these feelings is important—and you’re not alone in experiencing them.
HEALTHY COPING STRATEGIES
Talk to a trusted veterinarian or animal welfare expert for reassurance about the ethical and practical reasons behind the decision.
Join support groups or speak to a counselor who understands animal welfare work and the emotional toll it can take.
Connect with others in the rescue or TNR community—many have walked this road and can offer comfort, perspective, and solidarity.
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
There’s no denying that spaying a pregnant cat is an emotional and difficult decision. It weighs heavy on the heart.
But so does watching tiny, innocent kittens be turned away because fosters are full, rescues are overwhelmed, and shelters have no space.
So does knowing those same kittens may end up growing up on the streets — without comfort, without protection, and without anyone to care for them. They face hunger, disease, predators, and danger every single day.
Sometimes, we must face one kind of heartbreak to prevent an even deeper one.
If you’ve ever seen a sick kitten with no one to help… or watched a shelter worker cry because they had to say no to just one more litter… you understand.
It’s not about choosing what’s easy. It’s about choosing what’s most humane, even when it hurts.
And while it may never feel “good,” it’s often the most loving, merciful choice we can make — for the mom, for the kittens, and for the many others still waiting for a chance at life.
YOU’RE DOING THE BEST YOU CAN
Every spay-abort decision is unique and deeply personal. If you’re making or have made this choice, it’s okay to grieve. It’s also okay to feel relief. What matters most is that the decision came from a place of love, care, and a desire to reduce suffering—and that deserves respect.
