In India, just as in the U.S., the number of cats born far exceeds the number of good homes available for them. Many felines face a perilous existence on India’s streets—surviving on scraps, dodging traffic, and succumbing to untreated injuries and disease. But PETA India is working to change that, by launching a new cat sterilization program in partnership with the Bombay Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the Youth Organisation in Defence of Animals.

Their efforts are already making a difference! So far, they’ve spayed or neutered 51 cats and vaccinated them for rabies. They’ve also given several cats veterinary care for injured tails and other conditions. Furthermore, PETA India staffers have rescued several lucky kittens from the monsoon rains, including some who had tried to take shelter in car engines, and they’re working to find them homes where they’ll experience nothing but love.

Spaying and neutering not only prevents cats from bringing generation after generation of kittens into a world that’s already short on responsible homes for them but also helps cats lead healthier, happier lives. Spaying eliminates female animals’ risk of developing uterine cancer and greatly reduces the risk of developing mammary cancer. Neutering prevents testicular cancer in males and reduces the risk of developing prostate cancer. Animals who have been sterilized are also less likely to get into fights or contract deadly, contagious diseases that are spread through bodily fluids, such as feline AIDS and leukemia.

PETA India needs the support of caring people to expand lifesaving programs like this one. Want to help? Visit PETA.org/India to help us give their vital work a much-needed boost.

And please, if you haven’t already, make an appointment today to have your animal companions spayed or neutered—and encourage everyone you know to do the same.