06/25/2026
Well stated!
This might be hard to hear, but it needs to be said. Allowing pregnant cats to give birth is NOT rescue.
It may "feel" like rescue and it may "look" like rescue... but it is NOT rescue.
It directly contributes to the overpopulation crisis we are all trying to fix.
Every litter born adds more kittens into an already overwhelmed system. It takes resources away from cats already here and increases suffering long-term and adds to the crushing numbers of overpopulation
TNR exists for a reason.
You cannot claim to stop unplanned litters or reduce suffering while actively taking in pregnant cats for the purpose of having those kittens born.
THAT IS NOT PREVENTION
IT'S PARTICIPATION IS THE CYCLE
Real prevention means making the hard call and spaying the mom BEFORE birth.
Actually stop the cycle. You are in control.
This work isn’t about what makes us feel better in the moment. It’s about the animals and what actually reduces suffering over time.
Because the truth is…
you’re not saving them if you’re creating more of them.
Also, birth puts Mom's life in jeopardy. Can you afford a C-section or an ER visit if a kitten is retained in the uterus? Are you prepared if the kittens have medical problems or are born with genetic issues (several do)? Cats are not planning their baby rooms and wondering if they will be good parents. 95% of cats spayed before having kittens do not mourn (believe me, we spay A LOT of pregnant cats). Instead of being in rescue for 8-10 weeks raising babies in kennels, Moms are ready to head to their forever homes asap. They never saw saw kittens. They do not miss the kittens they never met..... What is far worse is a cat who has kittens and the kittens die after birth and Mom looks for them for weeks 😢 Please stop putting human emotions on cats. This crisis is massive. Cats need YOU to prioritize their individual lives first. By doing so, you are allowing space for kittens who may never find safety at all. Please focus on the cats that exist now.
No one wants to spay preggo cats but the alternative, is SO much more unnecessary suffering. When you are in rescue, you see the ENTIRE picture. Never in my life did I ever imagine to be on board with this concept.... 😭 But we are on the front lines. We have to focus on what we can control and how we can help the kittens that are here and now.