June is Adopt-A-Cat Month

Previously named, "Adopt A Shelter Cat Month", it is the time of year that shelters across the country try to raise awareness and find good homes for the thousands of cats and kittens that are stranded by their owners.

The American Humane Society, sponsored by 9 lives cat food, is trying to save 1 million felines!

The facts: A single pair of cats and their offspring can produce as many as 420,000 cats in 7 years. Cats left to fend for themselves without the love and care of responsible owners is a serious problem. Animal Shelters are over run each year (especially during the spring and summer) by stray and abandon cats and kittens. Many of those same cats will be "put to sleep" if not adopted into good homes.

During Adopt-A-Cat Month many shelters offer special incentives for cat adoption. These incentives include discounts on spay/neutering, free and/or discounted first year shots, free educational seminars on cat and kitten care, and some even offer chip implantation.

The A.S.P.C.A., Humane Society, and hundreds of animal shelters want you to know the ways adopting a cat can benefit your family and your life!

Studies have shown that:

• Taking care of a pet (such as a cat) is an excellent way to teach children responsibility and kindness toward people and animals.
• A cat's purr has a calming and relaxing effect.
• Owning a cat can provide companionship, entertainment, and affection.
• Having a cat has been shown to decrease risks of high blood pressure and heart disease.

Before you decide to adopt make sure you are cat ready. Try to answer the following questions.
1) Is anyone in your house allergic to cat hair or pet dander? If not a cat is a good step for your family pet. If so there are breeds that are less likely to aggravate you sensitivity. Or, ask your healthcare professional for advice.

2) Why do you want to adopt a cat? There are hundreds of good reasons to adopt a cat. If you are sure you want a pet cat, adopt! The best reason: you'll be saving a life!

3) Are you ready for a long term commitment? A cat shouldn't just be a pet; it should be a member of the family. Most cats can live to be almost 20 years old (if properly cared for). Are you going to tire of having a furry companion? If you aren't ready for the commitment then please do not adopt. Many of these cats have already been abandoned once. They need stable and loving homes.

4) Can you afford the supplies and healthcare a cat will need? Cats, like kids, cost money. Have you ever heard the old saying "there is no such thing as a free pet"? Cats require supplies, food, toys, veterinary care, identification and time!

For more getting "kitty-ready" visit aspca.org or americanhumane.org to get helpful hints qualifying questions, and adoption procedures.

Before you adopt, educate yourself and your family! Once you have decided that a cat is right for you, visit your local animal shelter and browse the selection of playful cats and kittens. The caretakers will be happy to help you!