June – Adopt a Cat Month
By Christina Burns
June is national adopt a cat month and as many of you know cats are my first loves. As a child, my family always had at least one or two cats as part of our family – this, however, did not include the countless neighborhood cats I used to feed and sneak indoors during cold and rainy nights. Cats have always been a part of my life and always will be.
I remember when I moved out of my parents’ house to live on my own – it was an exciting yet scary time. All sorts of new adult-type items presented themselves to me – I need to spend my hard earned money on light bulbs? We don’t have scissors; I thought all homes had scissors? With all the new experiences that presented themselves to me the area I found the saddest and had a hard time adjusting to was the silence. Yes, I lived with another human but it was the silence of having no other heartbeats, no bells, no meows in the house – those sounds were comforting to me and always felt home. The house was empty and lacked the energy I was used to so in May, the beginning of kitten season, I drove to a local shelter in search of a feline companion. My feline companion turned into two adorable sisters – Sugar and Sherbet – and just two short days (they needed to get spayed and micro chipped) they were home with me, indoors and safe. In all of the cats I have had in my lifetime I had never had a kitten let alone two. My two adorable kittens – which I renamed are now ten years old and have shown me the greatest amount of love and care that any pet parent could ask for. They have been through some of the most exciting times in my life and some of the worst but at the end of the day they are there by my side, giving me endless amounts of love and cuddles. I could never imagine my life without my two girls.
To celebrate national adopt a cat month many rescue organizations and shelters host special promotions for June cat adoptions in an effort to find fur-ever homes to all of the amazing kittens and cats, and many even waive adoption fees! Here are some important tips if you are considering adopting a cat/kitten this month (or any):
- Consider adopting two cats. Not only does this help the shelter but it helps the cats too – having a friend to play with and socialize with.
- Find a cat that is similar to your personality. Think of it like dating, you need to find the right fit for you!
- If you don’t already have one, find a veterinarian. Much like the comment above, make sure they are the right fit for you and have the same pet parenting ideas as you do.
- Bring all household members to select and meet the new family member. You never want to adopt a cat without having your spouse, children or other household pets be introduced.
- Budget for the care of ownership. This includes everything from food, vet visits to pet insurance (yes, pet insurance is a must!)
- Understand the commitment. Understand that adopting a cat is for their lifetime. They are living, breathing, little animals and need love and affection just like a baby would. Understand the commitment of ownership prior to adopting a cat. This will help you avoid potential heartbreak in the future.
- Safety First. For their safety please keep cats indoor only. There are many things that can happen to cats when they are outdoors – this can be costly for owners, and often times very sad. Avoid this by keeping them indoor only. Provide lots of sun with open blinds and toys your cats will be endlessly happy.
- Stock up on the essentials. Cat litter, food, treats, toys, crate carrier, collar, tags, all natural flea control, nail clippers, brushes, bowls for food and water etc.
- Make sure your home is cat friendly! Don’t leave poisonous or dangerous items out such as chocolate, chives, coffee, human medication etc. (detailed list here http://pets.webmd.com/cats/guide/top-10-cat-poisons)
- Introduce your cat slowly to the environment and friends/family. It can take weeks for a cat to become used to their new home. Be patient, socialization is important but don’t rush it.
- Don’t give cats as a gift. This is not like purchasing a TV – this is a living animal.
- Feline Caviar’s June Campaign. Share your adoption story with Feline Caviar and you will get a buy one get one free coupon to start your new family member off on the right paw! Email marketing@caninecaviar.com with your story!!
If you are unable to adopt but still want to help, here are some tips:
- Share on all social media accounts that June is adopt a cat month. This is an easy way to spread the word to as many people as possible.
- Contact local shelters/rescues to see if they have any June events that you can help with. Whether it’s cleaning a little box, or playing with the cats shelter/rescues are always in need of some extra hands.
- Sign up as a foster parent, or shelter volunteer.
- Donate money to you’re a shelter or rescue. Do what you can do. Any little bit helps even if it’s a $1.00 or $100.00 its still money they didn’t have before.
- Hold a donation drive. Shelters/rescues are always in need of supplies, and many have wish lists posted on their websites. Reach out to family, friends, co-workers, etc. and gather donations.
There are many healthy, adoptable cats in shelters/rescues across the Country that deserve to have loving fur-ever homes! Be their hero today by showing them love and trust me they will reward you and love more than you can ever imagine!
About Me:
Christina is lives in sunny Orange County, CA as a full-time working pet mommy. Her love of animals goes back to her childhood where she used to rescue animals big and small and bring them home to her family. Always an avid pet owner, cats specifically, she adopted her first dog in 2012 where her zest for learning and finding healthy options for her pets has become a passion of hers. She is excited to begin sharing her knowledge with a larger audience.
Her pet mommy mantra: Remember pet parenthood is a privilege and an honor; try to find new ways to share new experiences with your furry family- life is short!