June is Adopt a Shelter Cat Month

Shelter cats should be considered for adoption all year, but June has been designated as a special month for adoption.

There are several things you can do to celebrate Shelter Cat Adoption Month.

• Visit your local shelter. Take a friend or two along.
• Volunteer to help in any capacity they may need you.
• Become a foster parent. This entails caring for one or more cats until they find their forever home.
• Write a check to your local animal shelter or favorite animal organization in honor of Adopt a Shelter Cat Month.
• Spread the word. Post on Facebook, Twitter, blog about it, call your local newspaper to advertise adoption.
• Talk to your local shelter about adopting a Trap/Neuter/Release (TNR) program.
• Ask your pet shop owner of s/he will consider on on-site adoption event.
• Have a bake sale or other type of sale and donate the proceeds to a shelter you support.

The American Humane Society suggests these guidelines when adopting a cat:

• Consider adopting 2 cats.
• Make sure the cat you choose complements your personality.
• Choose a veterinarian before adopting and schedule a visit within a few days of adoption.
• Cat-proof your house before bringing the new family member(s).
• Work out the costs of cat ownership and include in your budget, spay/neuter, vaccines, microchips, special needs. Many shelters spay/neuter and vaccinate cats before they are adopted.
• Prepare all items you’ll need for your cat(s) beforehand – food, bowls, litter box and litter, cat-safe toys, scratching post, brush and comb for grooming, cat nail clippers, a bed, a toothbrush.
• Your cat(s) may be stressed in a new environment. They will become accustomed to their new home, but keep them calm by introducing them slowly to family and friends.
• Add your new pet(s) and all relevant information to your family emergency plan.
• If you want to give a cat as a gift, make sure the recipient is informed and will be part of the process.
• Once you’ve prepared everything and your cat(s) is home, just sit back and enjoy your new best friend(s).