MONROE - Each year, an unaltered female cat will produce an average of three litters, each with four to six kittens. Those kittens will quickly mature and produce their own litters - which in turn will mature and have more kittens. Every year, millions of cats and kittens end up homeless, facing starvation, harsh conditions and needless suffering.

To help stop the cycle of cat overpopulation, the Green County Humane Society, Monroe, and Everyone Needs a Home, South Wayne, are teaming up to offer free spays or neuters for cats owned by those with a financial need. The organizations have contracted with the Dane County Humane Society's mobile spay/neuter unit to come to Monroe and provide alteration surgeries at two previous events. So far, GCHS and ENAH have been able to spay/neuter 60 cats at no cost to the owners.

Residents of both Green and Lafayette counties are eligible. Spots for the free surgery day are expected to fill up fast.

There is a limit of two cats per household. Cats must be in good health and free of respiratory illness. Cats must be tame enough to be handled and must be transported in a pet carrier. Cats living in outdoor homes are eligible.

Monroe Auto Sales, 101 W. Eighth St., is donating use of its facility for the free Spay/Neuter Day on May 28. Cats should be dropped off in the morning and DCHS veterinary staff will perform the surgeries. After a short recovery period, cats will be released to their owners that afternoon.

To register, Green County applicants should call 325-2149. Lafayette County applicants should call (608) 543-3637.