Cattober: Celebrating Shelter Cats

October 9^th is a special day for our feline pals: it’s Cattober, the universal birthday for shelter kitties! Quite a few of our feline pals were adopted from shelters, and we’re meeting more new ones all the time. A local vet discusses shelter cats in this article from Westside Animal Hospital, your Savannah, GA veterinarians.

The Plight Of Shelter Cats

While kittens are often adopted quickly, older cats often have a very hard time finding forever homes. Seniors and black cats face a particularly hard struggle. Black cats make up as much as a third of shelter cat populations, and on average, take 24 percent longer to be adopted. They also have the highest euthanasia rates and the lowest adoption rates.

Adopting A Shelter Cat

Are you thinking about adopting a shelter kitty? You can just go to the nearest place and see if a particular furball tugs at your heartstrings. However, many people search adoptable cats online, and go from there. This is a good option if you’re looking for a cat that is a certain color or breed. While many shelters and charities now transport pets, there’s an advantage to going local: you’ll be able to spend time with your potential pet before making a final decision.

Choosing A Shelter Cat

Picking the right cat can be a bit tricky, with so many sweet, adorable kitties out there in need of homes. Some people are looking for a specific type or color kitty, while others have preferences for girls or boys. There are a few things to keep in mind. If you have other pets, choose a kitty that gets along well with furry roommates. There’s also a lot to be said for just following your heart. You may think you want a Maine Coon, only to find yourself falling in love with a scared, timid Siamese. Just make sure you’re ready, willing, and able to commit to giving Fluffy top-notch TLC for the rest of her life.

How To Help

Like most pet holidays, Cattober is also an awareness event. In this case, it’s a purrfect time to turn the spotlight on the millions of sweet, homeless kitties that are already out there in shelters. There are many ways to help homeless cats. Donating and volunteering are both great options. If you want to go a step further, consider fostering.  

Do you have questions about Fluffy’s health or care? Contact Westside Animal Hospital, your Savannah, GA veterinarians, anytime!