The Animal Shelter Alliance of Portland is urging cat owners to take a cleverly named "spaycation" next week and get their felines fixed.

"As the days gets longer the cats start to reproduce at a much higher rate, two cats can become a 100 cats in a matter of months," says Dr. Kris Otteman, director of shelter medicine at Oregon Humane Society and ASAP Spay & Save volunteer. "With 20,000 cats entering our area shelters annually, we need to focus on finding good homes for them, without a flood of kittens adding to the overpopulation. There are not enough homes for all of them."

To help, the ASAP group will offer spay and neuter surgeries for cats and kittens for a flat fee of $10 per household, June 18-22. That means that qualified cat owners pay only $10, regardless of how many cats they own. The fee applies to caretakers of feral or stray cats as well.

Cats need to be at least eight weeks old and weigh at least 2.25 pounds to qualify.

To be eligible for the $10 fee, cat owners must receive government assistance, including Medicaid, Oregon Health Plan, WIC, food stamps, SSI, Section 8, public housing or TANF. Owners must also live in Multnomah, Washington, Clackamas, or Clark counties.

Caretakers of feral and stray cats don’t need to meet income guidelines.

Licensed veterinarians will perform the surgeries at several locations throughout the Portland area. To reserve one of the 500 spots, call 800-345-7729 for a cat you own; or 503-797-2606 for feral cats. If transportation is an issue, ask about assistance when you call.

Cat Adoption Team will also offer the same $10 flat fee deal on June 19. Cat owners must meet the same income guidelines stated above and live in Clackamas, Multnomah, Washington or Clark counties.

People who live in or near Hillsboro may be able to arrange transportation from Washington County Animal Services to Cat Adoption Team. Ask about it when you call. Schedule an appointment at 503- 925-8903 or 800-345-7729.