|
May 30, 2005, VANCOUVER – June is Adopt-A-Cat Month and The Humane Society of Canada (HSC) would like those thinking about adopting a feline friend to consider giving a good home to a cat in need.
According to Al Hickey, HSC Western Regional Director, there are thousands of cats currently waiting for adoption in humane societies, SPCAs, animal shelters and rescue groups across Canada.
"Unfortunately, there are always plenty of cats to choose from," says Hickey. "However, especially during spring time animal rescue workers are often overwhelmed by their tremendous number of kittens and young cats who are homeless."
And while kittens are cute and adorable, Hickey recommends that adopters not overlook mature cats who are up for adoption.
"Kittens can be a lot of work and they require considerable attention," says Hickey. "Mature cats also make great companions and often aren't as 'high maintenance,'" suggests Hickey.
HSC Executive Director Michael O'Sullivan says that June is often an excellent month in which to adopt a feline in need.
"June means that children, and many of their parents, are about to go on vacation. This can be an ideal time to get a new cat adjusted and acclimatized to his/her new family and home," states O'Sullivan.
O'Sullivan, who has several feline family members, wants everyone to know the importance of adopting pets from animal charities.
"The world is already overpopulated with friendly felines who desperately need humans to care for them," points out O'Sullivan. "Buying cats from commercial breeders or pet stores only adds to the tragic situation. By adopting cats in need from animal charities you are part of the solution, not part of the problem."
The Humane Society of Canada wants everyone to participate, in some way, in Adopt-A-Cat Month and has offered a variety of suggestions for making things better for these special animals.
Ten Ways to Celebrate Adopt-A-Cat Month
- For those who have made the decision to acquire a cat and can commit to the long-term responsibility, adopt a feline friend in need.
- Anyone not looking to adopt a cat can help humane societies, SPCAs, animal shelters and rescue groups by making a donation or volunteering their time and/or donating items like used blankets and towels that cats will benefit from.
- Inform others about what wonderful companions cats in need make.
- Keep feline companions as "indoor cats" for their safety and the safety of other animals (cats kept indoors live about twice as long as those allowed to roam free).
- Spay/neuter your cat.
- Cat-proof your home.
- Equip your cat with effective identification like the free lifetime registration tag offered by The Humane Society of Canada here.
- Spend lots of quality time with your cat.
- Ensure that your feline friend receives veterinary examinations and the appropriate inoculations and keep a first aid kit handy for emergencies like those offered by The Humane Society of Canada here.
- Report cases of animal cruelty and neglect to the proper authorities.
“This month, give a warm furry cat a permanent loving home. You’ll be saving a life and adding a new member to your family,” says O’Sullivan
CONTACT: Al Hickey or Michael O'Sullivan by toll free 1-800-641-KIND or Michael on his cell phone (416) 876-9685 or at www.humanesociety.com
[For more than 17 years, Al Hickey was the Chief Executive of the BC SPCA and before that headed up the Alberta and BC Chambers of Commerce, and the Executive Director of the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Vancouver. He has 6 grandchildren.
A father with two children, and a houseful of dogs and cats, O'Sullivan has worked across Canada and in over 95 countries during the last 35 years helping people, animals and nature.]
The Humane Society of Canada works to protect dogs, cats, horses, birds, livestock, lab animals, wildlife and the environment. They carry out hands on programs to help animals and nature, mount rescue operations, expose cruelty through hard hitting undercover investigations, work to pass laws to protect animals, fund scientific research, support animal shelters and wildlife rehabilitation centres and spread the word about how to help animals and nature through humane education. |
