DEAR SUN SPOTS: I almost dropped my coffee cup this morning when I read the Adopt-A-Pet section of the Sun Journal. Maine has one of the most populous uncontrolled outdoor and feral cat populations in the nation, yet we are bringing in cats for adoption from other states?!

Please somebody explain this so I can continue to feel good about my donations to the ASPCA. Also I hope they will realize that “free-cat day” just increases the homeless cat population; pet adoption should involve commitment and “free” does not promote this.

We love Sun Spots. Thank you for all of the excellent advice and resources you provide. — No Name, Auburn

ANSWER: Sun Spots has lived all over the country and just couldn’t believe that “Maine has one of the most populous uncontrolled outdoor and feral cat populations in the nation,” but a belief is not a fact, so she searched for an expert.

Zachary Black of the Greater Androscoggin Humane Society referred Sun Spots to Katie Lisnick, director of Cat Protection and Policy for the Humane Society of the United States. Katie, who is based in Portland, offered this:

“Maine has one of the highest rates of cat ownership, close to 50 percent of households reported owning at least one cat, according to the latest American Veterinary Medical Association statistics. However, the majority of those cats, 65 percent or so are indoor-only cats.

“Based on some survey work we have done in Maine, we estimate approximately 30,000 unowned cats in the state, mostly in the most densely populated areas of the state. This is actually a very low population estimate compared to other states, and consistent with our cold winters, presence of predators and large areas of land with few people.

“Many shelters in the state have done an amazing job with spaying and neutering animals in their community and are seeing decreases in the number of cats coming into their facilities, allowing them to bring in cats from areas of higher need.

“This is something to be celebrated. We encourage all shelters and rescue organizations to help cats in need in their communities and to help out their neighboring communities as well. We have an excellent network of humane organizations that are providing outstanding work to protect cats and the communities we live in.”

Sun Spots does see your point that giving away cats instead of making people pay for them as possibly poor policy. But she has learned the hard way that paying for an animal does not result in good care. Every breed of dog, cat, horse, etc., has special rescue operations to care for the many expensive breeds that are neglected or abused.

There are many people with limited means who are very conscientious pet owners. With a little help paying for neutering or spaying, they may provide an excellent home.

On the other hand, careful screening of potential owners is essential. Sun Spots has noticed a vast difference in those processes from rescue to rescue. One made her fill out a form, reviewed it and her home, and then called her references! 

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Each year your readers have helped the YWCA with its Christmas Fair, and this year the YWCA needs them again.

There are three areas that need items: jewelry, crafts (knit or crocheted, sewn doll dresses, aprons, etc.) and lastly treasure items that could be regifted (like knick-knacks, glassware, etc.).

The fair is from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 29 at 130 East Ave. in Lewiston. Items can be dropped off at the YWCA or call me at 783-6651 and I’ll pick them up.

Your column is a must read each morning and I keep thinking: Where would readers be without you in our lives?— Mary Ann Norcross, [email protected]

ANSWER: Sun Spots hope you will never find out what a day without her is like!

DEAR SUN SPOTS: A Sumner Scholarship Fund bottle drive will take place Saturday, Sept. 6. Volunteers will drive through Sumner between 8:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. to pick up redeemable bottles and cans left by your mailbox. Bottles can also be dropped off at the Sumner Town Office. — Arlene Silverman, [email protected]

ANSWER: Sun Spots hopes it’s not too late for people to get those bottles and cans together.

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be emailed to [email protected].