Problem Solving & Advice by Pam Johnson-Bennett Cat Behavior Expert & Best-selling Author
June is Adopt-a-Cat month. This month you will see more shelter events, articles and promotions to celebrate cats in need of adoption. In truth, EVERY month should be Adopt-a-Cat month and we need to continue working every day to get cats into forever homes, most especially the older cats who are often overlooked.
So what does Adopt-a-Cat month mean to you? If you’re wondering what you can do, the options go beyond adoption. Here are some suggestions:
1. Adopt
Adopt a cat from a shelter or rescue organization. Whether you want a kitten, adult cat, longhaired, shorthaired, a cat with lots of personality, a quiet cat, a big cat or small kitty, you will find the feline love of your life waiting there for you. As you search, please don’t pass up the opportunity to adopt an older or senior cat.
Photo: Pam Johnson-Bennett
2. Spay or Neuter
Even if you have an exclusively indoor cat, there’s always the chance of an escape. You don’t want to add to the cat over-population. Here’s more information on the many benefits of spay/neuter. If you’ve been putting up having your cat spayed or neutered due to budget limitations, there are low-cost spay/neuter clinics. Your veterinarian may also be willing to work out a payment plan with you.
3. Address Behavior Problems
Far too many cats are abandoned, relinquished to shelters or even euthanized for behavior problems that could’ve been solved. If you need help in addressing the behavior problems, contact a qualified, certified behavior professional or ask your veterinarian for a referral. You can also find lots of information on addressing behavior issues right here on our website. The sooner a problem is addressed, the greater the chances of success. Just don’t give up your cat!
4. Volunteer
Roll up your sleeves and volunteer at your local shelter. There is an ongoing need for all levels of volunteer skills. In addition to volunteering at a shelter, you may have a friend or neighbor who needs help with their cat and your assistance might make a difference in whether that cat remains in that home. An elderly neighbor might need help grooming the cat, shopping for food, transporting the cat to the veterinarian, etc. If there is a local cat rescue in your area, consider contacting them and offering your help as well.
5. Donate money
Whether you can write a big check or a very small one, your local shelter or one of the national humane organizations will greatly appreciate it. Every dollar makes a difference.
6. Donate items
Most shelters have wish lists so you can donate something that they specifically need or you can offer everyday items that are always in short supply such as towels, laundry detergent, food bowls, newspapers, etc. Visit the website of your local shelter or contact them by phone to find out about their specific needs. Even donating some cat toys for the cats in the shelter will make a difference.
7. TNR
TNR programs help to control the feral cat population by humanely trapping, neutering and the releasing the feral cats back out to their colonies. For more information on TNR, visit Alley Cat Allies. If there’s a local TNR group in your area, they would love your help or if you can’t physically volunteer, maybe they need a financial donation for cat food, humane traps, or veterinary costs.
8. Pick up the Phone
Contact your local feline rescue organization or local shelter and find out what kind of help or donation they are in need of right now. If they are hosting an adoption event, they may need an extra pair of hands that day.
9. Educate
Educate your friends, family, co-workers and neighbors about cat care and welfare. You may have a friend who doesn’t realize the importance of having their cat neutered or is allowing their intact cat to roam outdoors. Gentle and tactful education can make a difference in the relationship between that cat parent and the cat. There’s so much inaccurate information about cats and cat behavior out there so if you can help share factual, science-based and practical information, it will go a long way in helping new cat owners start off on the right road with their newly adopted cat. It may also help keep cats in their homes if you can help educate someone who is considering relinquishing a cat to the shelter.
10. Spread the Word
Let others know about Adopt-a-Cat month. Share this article along with others that you have read. If there are events and adopt-a-thons in your area, help spread the word by letting friends, family and neighbors know.
There’s so much that can be done to help cats during Adopt-a-Cat month and EVERY month. Thank you in advance for whatever help you can offer to spread the word about Adopt-a-Cat month and for making a difference in the lives of cats.
Need More Information?
For step-by-step information on cat behavior and training, refer to the best-selling books by Pam Johnson-Bennett. Pam’s books are available at bookstores and online. We’ve included links to Amazon here on our website.
If you have a question about your cat’s behavior or health, contact your veterinarian.
