One of the cheeriest songs in the 1945 musical extravaganza “Carousel” written by Rogers and Hammerstein is the hit tune, “June is Busting out All Over”.
Although this creative, dynamic duo’s upbeat and joyful song is about the birds, the bees, the blossoms in bloom and romantic love in the air; the song’s title also aptly applies to that annual phenomenon; the kitten season. During this period of time, there is a huge increase in the population of the millions of unwanted kittens languishing in who are in desperate need of forever, loving homes.
After all, what could be a more appropriate and an enticing way to spread the word about the incredible joy that can be received from being owned by cats, to help increase the number of feline adoptions than to set aside the month of June as “National Adopt a Shelter Cat Month”? It’s a great idea!
As a matter of fact, during the month of June, shelters and many veterinary clinics around the country have already for adoption, a wide variety of adorable fluffy and playful kittens and cats that are sure to win the hearts of anyone who is a passionate about kitties.
The month of June is a purrfect time for folks who already are living with a feline family member to consider adopting another kitty. After all, not only can two cats keep each other company, having two kitties, (in the words of an old Wrigley’s gum commercial) invites you to “double your pleasure, double your fun”. But not only will two cats give you twice the amount of loving, for those of you who are health-minding, just remember that a purring cat sitting in your lap is not only relaxing; it can actually lower your blood pressure.
And for people who have never had the pleasure of sharing their hearts and homes with one of the most seriously loyal and devoted furry companions, this is a great time to visit a local shelter or log onto Petfinder.com to check out all the special kittens and cats that are up for adoption, longing for you to take them home.
However if the thought of two kittens running around the house sounding much like a herd of elephants is a bit unsettling, why not consider adopting an older cat? Your heart is guaranteed to melt when you look into the adoring eyes of a kitty who has been languishing in a shelter, and will be so grateful that you have given her a home.
But, before diving in, it’s a good idea to keep in mind a few suggestions made by the American Humane Society. It’s best to choose a kitty that suits your purrsonality and lifestyle. While not every cat will live up to the typical behavior of a particular breed, researching the various breeds will give you an idea of what to expect. For instance, if you are looking for a quiet kitty, I don’t recommend a Siamese or Oriental Shorthair. See Michael’s Quiet Cats and Noisy Cats.
Prior to adopting your cat, find a veterinarian and schedule a visit a few days following your kitty’s arrival. While it may be a bit costlier, choose a high quality cat food. Stock up on most of the essential supplies, such as litter boxes, litter, litter scooper, ceramic or metal food and water bowls, a couple of rough covered scratching posts, a variety of safe kitty toys. I also recommend adding a few books to your library about feline health and behavior.
If you already have resident cats, make sure to prepare a sanctuary room for your new arrival. Slow and supervised introductions go a long way to help facilitate integration and to prevent serious squabbles. Read about some suggestions on how to “properly” introduce felines. The modern domestic cat is essentially a sociable animal.
Purrhaps there’s a new fabulous feline in your future? Share your thoughts in a comment.
Jo
Photo credit: Flickr User Ole Martin Bjørnli Günther (photo framed by Michael as allowed under license).
What a great article! June is the perfect month for this too. So many kittens and adult cats needing a home. Lots of great ideas and tips for a first time owner. We are at capacity here. Our cats are all seniors and they frown on fuzzy kittens invading their lives although, a friend has a kitten right now that is pulling on my heart strings. Luckily they already have a home lined up for him. Get the word out…time to adopt. 🙂
Hi, hope many people adopt a shelter cat. I wish I could, but I’m at my Quota. I just hope many cats will be taken into loving and forever homes.
Thanks for making folks aware of the PAWsome concept! All seven of our kitties are adopted whether from the vet or a shelter or off the streets. Our latest, an 18 year old ginger/white female came to us May 2nd when the owner learned that he was being transferred back overseas for his work. While he had brought the cat overseas before and back stateside again whenever his job moved him, he felt that a 22 hour plane ride was not good for an 18 year old kitty. So, John and I welcomed her into our home. With 7 cats and three dogs it will be a looooong time before we are able to open our home again. 🙂
Wonderful article, Jo — many thanks for advoCATing for shelter cats, in June and every month of the year! And thank you for pointing out that cats are essentially “…a sociable animal” which indeed they are, my small family of six being proof. Everyone can do something every day to help cats: besides caring for one’s own feline family, adopting, fostering, and/or donating, one can also share for cats in ACCs and shelters online! It’s easy, fun, and it helps SAVE PRECIOUS LIVES! You can do this for your local ACC or any ACC you choose, on social media.
Yes a good idea. Anything which encourages adoptions at shelters must be praised.
Also, like you, I hope there is a complete rejection of the concept of declawing at all shelters.
Shelter staff have a great opportunity to run courses and educate people on why declawing is not good.
They must meet a lot of cat owners and potential cat owners. An opportunity to educate.
What a good idea, a National adopt a Shelter cat month!
I hope cat lovers will go and visit their local shelter and see all the beautiful cats and kittens needing homes.
I also hope all Shelters refuse to adopt an cat out to anyone who plans to declaw them. If someone wants a declawed cat they should give a home to one already disabled, not cause yet another cat to suffer because of their inability to understand that cats need their claws.
What a good time for Shelters to educate on the Paw Project findings that all declawed cats suffer in some way and some more than others.