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Cat owners in Montgomery County now can get their pets spayed or neutered for $50.

The deeply discounted rate is being made available through the Animal Welfare League, which runs a no-kill cat shelter in Gaithersburg, its donors, and veterinarians who have agreed to provide the service but asked that their names not be published.

There are no income qualifications, but pet owners who cannot afford the surgery, often priced at $100 to $200 or higher, can contact the Animal Welfare League to obtain the discount.

To qualify, the cat must be a pet (rather than feral), and the owner must reside in Montgomery County. Proof of residency may be required.

League volunteers will interview applicants by phone in a process that takes about 20 minutes.

To apply, call 301-740-2511 and leave a number with a name and phone number.

Applicants also can send their name and phone number through an e-mail link on the Animal Welfare League's Web site www.awlmc.org, where more information is available.

A volunteer will call back within about 24 hours, said Nona Silver, a league official.

Qualified applicants will receive by mail a numbered certificate that they can redeem at a participating veterinary practice after making an appointment.

Brochures on the program are available from the league in English and Spanish.

The group gave away 97 free spay-neuter surgeries in February to reduce the number of unwanted or homeless kittens before the spring breeding season.

Contributions to the spay-neuter fund can be made by check, payable to the Animal Welfare League of Montgomery County. The Animal Welfare League's mailing address is P.O. Box 7041, Gaithersburg, MD 20898.