 Photo by Cherie Langlois |
According to the National Cat Day website, tomorrow—October 29—is (how did you guess?) National Cat Day.
Founded by animal behaviorist Colleen Paige, this day is intended to increase public recognition of the many wonderful cats needing rescue, plus give us a special day to celebrate our own feline friends.
The website cites a tragic statistic: each year some 4 million cats enter U.S. shelters. These include strayed and abandoned pets, cats discarded because the family plans to move or can’t deal with a behavior issue, and litter upon litter of kittens.
Around 1 to 2 million of these cats and kittens—many of which would make fabulous pets—will be euthanized. Despite the plethora of no-kill rescues and shelters trying to place adoptable animals, there just isn’t space for them all.
Photo by Kelsey Langlois |
Here are some ideas for how to join in the celebration:
• If you have room in your farm home and heart for a purring companion, why not adopt a cat or kitten from a local shelter or rescue group (check out pet finder)? Most of my cats have been rescues, so I can vouch for the fact that saving a life feels awesome.
What’s more, the adoption option is generally a bargain when compared to acquiring a so-called “free kitten” from the classifieds. The rescue group I volunteer with, for example, ensures each kitten has been altered, tested for feline leukemia/AIDS, examined by a vet, given its first shots, de-flead, dewormed and microchipped—all for an $85 adoption fee that will help the group continue its work.
• If, like me, you currently don’t have room for any more pets, consider helping these hardworking groups in another way, perhaps with a donation of money, pet supplies or your time as a volunteer or foster parent. For the past three years, my daughter and I have had great fun fostering a never-ending procession of adorable kittens and cats in our large mud-room. When we can, we also volunteer on adoption days.
• If you have an unaltered cat, do your part to save lives by making an appointment for kitty to get fixed ASAP. Having financial difficulties? Ask your vet or any local shelters/rescue groups if they know of low cost spay/neuter programs operating in your area.
• Finally, don’t forget to bestow some special attention on your feline farm friends tomorrow. I plan to give my trio of indoor cats, pair of outdoor feral cats, and two foster kittens a favorite treat: a little canned tuna.
~ Cherie
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