The Hawaiian Humane Society is offering 200 free spay/neuter surgeries for cats to pet owners donating at least one item to a "wish list" that includes canned kitten food, dog/cat nail clippers, clean towels and kitty litter, among other things To be eligible for the "Feline Fix" program, cats must be socialized and healthy; surgeries limited to two felines per family.

Appointments will be accepted at www.hawaiianhumane.org Monday through Feb. 25. Cat owners without Internet access can pick up an appointment form at the society's administrative office between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Throughout the year, the society sells the city's reduced rate "Neuter Now" certificates, entitling owners to fixed-rate sterilizations at select clinics in their neighborhood. Certificates may also be purchased at any Satellite City Hall office. Rates range from $40 for a male cat to $75 for a female dog.

Spaying (for females) is the surgical removal of the uterus and ovaries. Neutering (for males) involves removal of the testicles. The routine and safe operation is performed while your pet is under general anesthesia.

According to Humane Society officials, pets that are spayed and neutered live longer, and various health issues are eliminated or decreased. Also, following the surgery, pets often become more affectionate companions and are less likely to roam from home or get into fights. In addition, with more fixed pets in a community, typically less funding is needed to control homeless animals and shelters are less crowded.