People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) made a stop in Gloucester on Dec. 13 to spay and neuter about 60 cats, free of charge.

This was the fourth time this year PETA has brought its mobile clinic to Gloucester. The organization offers its services to those who normally cannot afford to, by providing free services thanks to a backing sponsor.

Typically, PETA provides services to both dogs and cats, but last Friday the clinic arrived at Bethany United Methodist Church with a mission to help the cat population at Gloucester Point.

Overpopulation is one of the biggest issues facing many cats. Thomas McNulty, a staff member of PETA since 2014, explained that when an owner cannot afford to spay or neuter a pet, it often becomes harder to care for the offspring they produce. This can result in abandonment. Once a few are abandoned in area, it doesn’t take long for their population to build up.

Feral cats are often untrusting of humans, and gather in localized areas. Acco...