July 13, 2011:  At the risk of sounding like Bob Barker, I want to encourage our intelligent MHTB readers to take a moment and educate themselves on the benefits of spaying and neutering your pet, but also to understand the huge risks associated with letting your beloved pets roam freely outdoors.

Did you know that one unaltered female dog and her offspring can produce 67,000 puppies in only 6 years.  In 7 years, just one unspayed female cat and her offspring can produce a whopping 420,000 kittens!

According to the ASPCA, if a cat is born outside and if it survives kittenhood, its average lifespan is less than two years. Compare this to an indoor cat, who can live an average of 15 years with a caring owner.

By allowing unaltered pets to roam freely, we are the reason our animal shelters are full to the brim and also the reason that in our area alone, thousands of kittens are being born each day who will be forced to face horrible challenges in their struggle for survival.

All that being said, we are smack-dab in the middle of kitten season, which certainly made my "Pet of the Week" pick an easy one ....

Percy, Patti, and Polly want nothing more than a place to call "Home Sweet Home."  At 4 months of age, these precious kittens are full of kisses, cuddles, and endless silly antics. 
Percy is mostly white in color and the largest of the 3.  He, hands down, takes the prize for loudest purr and best kisser.  Percy can rarely be found sleeping alone and without warning you may just find him tip-toeing onto your lap for a kiss and a catnap.  He is an all-around sweet guy with tons of love to give.

His sister Patti is black and white and the smallest of the three.  But what Patti lacks in size, she certainly makes up for in personality.  It doesn't take much to please pretty Patti, and her happy-go-lucky personality will warm your heart as you witness the sheer joy she exudes when playing with her toys.  Patti would make anyone a great companion.

And then there is Polly.  Polly is the tabby and white mix who is the life of the party and believes that it is her job to make everyone happy.  She is a busy little girl, always on the go working hard to keep those around her (both 2-leggeds and 4) perpetually entertained.  If I didn't know any better, I would think this gal has set her sights on Broadway.

These 3 little ones are so full of life and love, and they would make wonderful pets to anyone willing to give them a forever home.  They can entertain themselves for hours, but like typical babies, they will crash in your lap for kisses and snuggles at the end of the day.

All 3 kittens have been to the vet and are healthy and up to date with all vaccinations.  Percy, Patti, and Polly can be adopted separately, as a pair, or as a trio.  They will also do fine if you have another cat in your home already and you are looking to have an addition to the family.

The tax-deductible adoption donation is $100 for 1 kitty, $150 for 2, and $175 for all 3 kittens.  Right now they are too young to be spayed and neutered, but their adoption fee includes a free spaying or neutering when they are of proper age (probably in about two months).  This donation will also help cover the cost of the food, boarding, and medical expenses incurred.

To learn more about these purrr-fect kittens, please contact their foster mom, Mary, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Editor's Note:  Writer Allison Roesser is happy to provide free literature to anyone wanting to learn more about the topics discussed in this article.  Please email your name and address to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., and you will receive your materials in about 2 to 3 weeks.