The Champaign county pet organizations are planning a “Cat Nip/Tuck Day” (www.cuhumane.org) that will spay or neuter your cat for only $10. I think that’s great, and I’m all for encouraging responsible pet ownership, especially for lower-income families that have (or want) pets but can’t really afford their vet care.* I don’t like the name (Nip/Tuck) because I’m pretty sure having your balls cut off is more than a “nip,” but I can play along. Also, when the pet is under they can do other things, like vaccinate, micro-chip, dental care, etc.

Obviously, they’re subsidizing the surgery with volunteer veterinarians and donated supplies. One of the listservs I’m on solicited us for supply donations for the events, including:

o Bleach
o Large garbage bags
o Paper towels
o Distilled water
o Duct tape or masking tape
o Used Towels (clean please)
o Rubbing alcohol
o Hydrogen Peroxide
o Q-tips
o Cotton balls

It’s kinda gross to think how masking tape, bleach, and large garbage bags helps spay your kitties, but I guess every little bit helps. I just read that list and wondered how MacGyver would neuter cats with only used towels, duct tape, and an endless supply of Q-tips.

* Yes, yes, yes… I know. “Pets are expensive and poor people shouldn’t have them”**. But assume they do, and need to take care of them cheaply. It happens.
** I don’t really feel that way… Pets are theraputic and everyone should have them. But they are a burden.