June is Adopt A Cat Month

Ah, June. The beginning of a new season! The weather is getting warmer, the sun is shining, someone you know is probably getting married…. and cats are mating left and right.

​That’s right! The end of Spring is when cats are, well, getting busy, which makes June the peak of kitten season. This is also the busiest time of the year for cat adoptions. For most people, the month of June is a time to take a break, slow down and relax by the beach. This year however, things might be a little bit different. You know, with the whole end-of-the-world-pandemic thing, right meow? This article will give you all the good reasons to welcome a (new) furball into your home.

Help two cats with one stone or adoption!
Two cats with one stone? That sounds weird, but it's true. Each year 3.2 million cats are waiting in shelters to be adopted. 70% of them are eventually euthanized. Only 80% are healthy and treatable. Even if you rescue a cat from down the block, you're still contributing to the control of stray cat population. This indirectly benefits animal care organizations, since they won't have to rescue that one, making way for another cat.

Adopt to improve your life:
Cats can transmit calming energy, making you less prone to strokes and heart attacks. Their purring is therapeutic, man! Relieve stress and anxiety. Having a feline roommate also comes with bonus health benefits, such as lower risk of heart disease and bone and muscle healing. It's often said that cats tend to be independent and low-maintenance pets.

Prepare for trouble now make it double!
In honor of Adopt-A-Cat Month, some shelters have special offers or waive adoption fees for the month of June. Bringing a pair of cats home will make the transition to a new home a lot smoother. Many animal shelters will recommend a pair of bonded cats for you to take home. These cats have formed a strong bond and will be able to maintain that friendship in their new furever home. The best way to bond with a kitten is to have a furry playmate to play with. Unsure of where to get your new fur friend? Check out a list of local shelters at the end of this blog.
Bringing your new Fur-Friends home!
Cats see no color or age when they choose their hooman, so why should either be a criterion for us? Black and older cats are statistically the least likely to get adopted. Follow this mini checklist to make sure you think of everything when choosing your next best friend.
Step 1: Gather the essentials

• Cat food
  
• Cat bed
• Cat carrier
• Litter box and litter
• Food and water bowls
• Some old towels (just in case)
• A few stimulating toys (you can even DIY them)

Step 2: Set up a quiet kitty roomYour new rescue might be overwhelmed, stressed or even scared on its first day. This is a big change and we want to make them feel as comfortable as possible. Bring all the essentials in this room and make sure the cat bed feels well protected. Your new kitty might feel the need to hide, so it’s not a bad idea to create a safe spot for them.
Step 3: Cat-proof your houseMake sure to store away any fragile or valuable items so as to avoid the tears later on. There should also be no exposed wires or cables laying around that your cat could bite on. Even items such as hair ties, rubber bands, and plastic grocery bags could wreak mayhem. Stash away, purrlease!
Step 4: Introducing your new cat to other pets/humansAs mentioned above, your new kitty is probably overwhelmed right now. It’s best to remind other family members (especially children) to maintain a calm energy. Let the new cat sniff around and explore the room. Try not to pick up or handle it too much. I know, I know. You can’t wait to grab and squeeze that cutie, but give it some space. If you have other pets, separate them from the new kitty and keep them in nearby rooms so they can sniff each other through the door. 
Adoption during a Quarantine?!
Animal shelters are seeing a shortage of adoptable pets. More people are choosing to cat-dopt or to not rehome their cats as they have more time to take care of them. Animal organizations need our support during these difficult times. Animal organizations need our support during these difficult times. While they are considered essential businesses, shelters are finding it hard to remain operational due to a lack of foot traffic, food, and kitty supplies. So, consider helping out by donating supplies, your time, or adopting a “pandemic cat” this June! Just know that you might be put on a waiting list.

In conclusion…
Right meow is the purrfect time to bring a (new) kitty into your life! Not only will you be supporting your local animal rescue services, but you’ll be contributing to the control of stray cats. Unable to meowdopt? No worries! Donations are always welcome at our local cat rescues to assist in veterinary care, food, bedding, enrichment, and more! In honor of Adopt A Cat Month make a donation to any of the local shelters such as Feline Ranch, WILD, The Humane Shelter, Animal Control, PAWS (in Jacksonville), or the APL.

Comment below with your pet's story!