Everyday, hundreds of thousands of stray and feral cats roam the streets of the United States. It is estimated that nearly 70 million feral cats are living in America today, with nearly nothing being done to control the rapid expansion of the population. Still, there are a large amount of shelters taking these wild and homeless felines in, yet many of these so called places of refuge turn to euthanization. According to statistics from the ASPCA, “Each year, approximately 2.7 million animals are euthanized (1.2 million dogs and 1.4 million cats).” Likewise, “Of the cats entering shelters, approximately 37% are adopted, 41% are euthanized, and less than 5% of cats who came in as strays are returned to their owners” () It is shocking and saddening…show more content… “There is a growing awareness of the exalted dignity proper to the human person, since he stands above all things, and his rights and duties are universal and inviolable.” (GS 26) This organization lives up to this statement because it works to ensure that part of God’s creation is properly cared for. In their mission statement, they say, “We rescue cats from high-kill city shelters and off the streets and provide them with medical care and love until we find their forever homes.” Furthermore “Whatever is opposed to life itself, such as any type of murder, genocide, abortion, euthanasia or wilful self-destruction, whatever violates the integrity of the human person.” (GS 27) Yet, euthanasia and abuse are not solely restricted to human beings, it can also be a factor in the lives of animals. In fact, humans are the ones that inflict abuse and unneeded and abrupt killing on these creatures, which they were entrusted to serve. Gaudium Et Spes says this of the people that choose to violate the teachings and rules set forth within scripture, “They poison human society, but they do more harm to those who practice them than those who suffer from the injury. Moreover, they are supreme dishonor to the Creator.” (GS 27) Therefore, The Cat’s Meow is a prime example of an organization that works to uphold these values as they rehabilitate stray and abused cats, and then provide them with a foster home…show more content… It is quite alarming and disturbing that more stray and feral cats are executed than rehabilitated and then adopted. Moreover, it is even more upsetting that the government works against the programs that would save these helpless animals in not providing the public with access to completely true and undoctored statistics regarding the systematic killing of these creatures. However, knowing there are groups like a Alley Cat Allies, The Cat’s Meow, and Project Purr working to end the tragic and senseless killing of cats is relieving. Yet, there is still more to be desired as, though their contribution is great and many, more people should be made aware of the stunning reality of the euthanization of animals. People have the right to know what is actually happening to the feral and stray cats of America, especially when it may be their pet that was lost and subsequently killed in a shelter or