Celebrating National Adopt a Cat Month

Please put it on your calendar. Since 1974, June has been designated as Adopt-A-Cat Month by the American Humane Association. Cats and kittens in need of loving homes are abundant at local shelters; June is “kitten season” because animal shelters overflow with them during the summer months. As the temperature heats, a feline fever begins. When you’re unable to adopt, consider donating or volunteering. In addition to the cats overcrowding shelters, an influx of newborn kittens will join them this June. That means, in addition to all the mellow, older cats and everything in between, your local shelter has a plethora of adorable, cuddly babies. And, just in time for American Humane’s Adopt-a-Cat Month, the shelter staff is ready to help you adopt your first cat – or bring home a companion for another favorite cat. This year, America’s oldest national humane organization celebrates a century of saving cats, kittens, and various other animals from disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and severe animal cruelty cases by asking Americans to adopt a cat or kitten from a shelter or rescue group.

According to their website, CEO, Dr. Robin Ganzert stated, “American Humane has rescued thousands of cats in need over the past 100 years” She added, “Remember, every day – this month and all year long – is Caturday!” Every June, thanks to the hard work of many cat lovers across the United States, hundreds of felines find a forever family during National Adopt a Cat Month. Since June is kitten season, numerous cats end up on the streets when their owners cannot find them a home. As a result of the flood of cats sent to shelters, many cat adoption campaigns began in June. Why should you get a cat as a pet? Because they are gentle, loving creatures that are easy to care for as pets and provide some of the nicest nighttime cuddlings!

Cats make fantastic companions; after all, there’s a reason they’re the most popular pet globally, outnumbering dogs by nearly three to one. Your local pet shelter, small rescue organization, or animal control facility is likely to have a great cat or two for you to adopt. All cats have unique personalities; some are feisty, some are placid. Like black cats, senior cats have a tough time finding families. Keep in mind if you adopt a kitten, their personality hasn’t fully developed, so how they appear in the shelter may not be how they will behave later in life. Experts advise that before applying for adoption, you think about all aspects that go into caring for an animal.

If you are not ready to adopt, there are still many things you can do. On their website, Petfinder suggests, “Donate your Facebook status. Just paste this message into the “What’s on your mind?” box at the top of your page: “June is Adopt-A-Shelter-Cat Month. Save a life: Adopt a cat! https://www.petfinder.com” This will also work with Twitter. Check your area to find shelters. Then ask if they fliers you can pass around. Many shelters have a “wish list” of items needed for their animals. You can ask what they need and donate these items. If you have a blog or Pinterest account, search for ideas and post something each day promoting and celebrating this important month. Additionally, you could post a banner on your website. Your local newspaper may be willing to publish something; call them and ask if you can write an op-ed article. If you are a photographer, you might be able to take photos at the local shelter showing off the kittens and cats available for furever homes. Not only is word of mouth important for purchases or negative experiences, but it will also spread awareness about the importance of adopting rescue kittens. While you are letting people know about adoption, it’s always good to remind them that spaying and neutering are essential to decrease the overflow of cats. If you have an exceedingly busy schedule, you can donate. Every act, even a small one, helps.

There are quite a few things you need to consider before adopting a cat or kitten. It may be best to adopt two, so they have more mental stimulation and social interaction. Although you will see many sad, pleading eyes, spend time with the cats and determine if your personalities are a good match. Ask the shelter for the medical records, even before you take them home. Although it’s a good idea to have a Vet lined up, you may not be willing to invest in high medical bills because of a known condition. If your house is full of people, take them to the shelter. Even if this will be your cat, you should make sure they get along with everyone. Cats have their own set of expenses and are a responsibility. Although they may have already been spayed or neutered, they will need to go to the vet for annual checkups just like you. Shopping for cat toys and supplies is fun, and having their space set up with toys, a litter box, plus food and water in their bowl will make them feel more at home. Let the kitty adjust to its surroundings. They may be shy and confused. After all, they have probably endured trauma, even if it was just at the shelter. Your family may have an emergency plan. Make sure your new addition is part of these plans.

Cleveland Amory once said, “As anyone who has been around a cat for any length of time well knows cats have enormous patience with the limitations of the human kind.” Cats are amazing creatures who will keep you guessing. Even though they don’t need to walk them like dogs, you will spend just as much time with them. Keep in mind, cats descended from Egyptian Royalty and still know they need to be treated as such. Don’t worry, you will enjoy every moment of it because cats have a way of wrapping you around their paw in such a way you enjoy it.