• By Kelly Nash
• Posted Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Adopt-A-Cat Month June 2009

The Forsyth County Department of Animal Control is celebrating the American Humane Association’s national Adopt-A-Cat Month this June. It’s the perfect time to promote cat adoptions because the spring and summer months typically bring a surge of cats to the nation’s shelters. Approximately 4 million homeless cats end up in animal shelters every year in the United States.

The Forsyth County Animal Shelter currently has over 70 cats and kittens looking for a home.

“When cats are not neutered or spayed, they reproduce easily, and spring and summer are the seasons when cats are most active, resulting in more kittens showing up at our door,” says FCAC Community Outreach Coordinator Kelly Nash. “We encourage people to visit and meet all the great cats we have here. They’re all looking for loving, permanent homes.”

The Forsyth County Department of Animal Control encourages people to enrich their lives by adopting a cat. Click here to view the adoptable cats and kittens currently available at the Animal Shelter.

The American Humane Association provides these insights to consider when adopting:

• Age: While kittens are hard to resist, adult cats are often better suited to families with young children. Mature cats respond better to the clumsy handling of inquisitive toddlers.
• Number: It can be beneficial to adopt more than one cat or kitten, especially if the pets will be left alone for long periods while you are gone. Not all cats enjoy companionship, but many are very social with members of their own species. Young kittens need to engage in vigorous play for several hours a day, and another pet can help get the job done.
• Personality: Many cats are under a great deal of stress in a shelter environment. A cat’s true personality may not emerge until he has been in his new home for several weeks.
• Coat: The longer the cat’s fur, the more brushing will be needed to prevent painful matting.
• Nutrition and Health: Good nutrition and yearly vet visits will keep your cat healthy and happy. Keep your cat indoors to prevent her from getting into accidents or fights with other cats. Check your cat for fleas, and make sure the litter box is clean and odor-free. Finally, set aside time every day to play with your cat; it is beneficial for you both!
• Prepare your Home: Both adult cats and kittens love to climb and explore. Be aware of possible hazards. Keep trash cans closed, toilet-seat covers down and cabinets latched. Don’t let cords or wires dangle, and cover any floor heating and air vents. Some houseplants may be toxic, so check with your vet for information on cat friendly indoor plants.
• Kids and Cats: Children should be taught that a kitten or cat is a companion, not a toy. Rough handling can lead to injuries to both the cat and the child.

FUN CAT TRIVIA ACTS AND HAIRY HUMOR

• 95% of cat owners admit they talk to their cats.
• A cat can be either right-pawed or left-pawed.
• A cat can jump as much as seven times its height.
• A cat cannot see directly under its nose. This is why the cat cannot seem to find tidbits on the floor.
• A cat in a hurry can sprint at about thirty-one miles per hour.
• A cat will spend nearly 30% of its life grooming itself.
• A cat's brain is more similar to a human's brain than that of a dog.
• A cat's hearing rates as one of the top in the animal kingdom. Cats can hear sounds as high-pitched as 65 kHz; a human's hearing stops at just 20 kHz.
• A cat's sense of taste is keener than a dog's sense of taste.
• A cat's tail held high means happiness. A twitching tail is a warning sign, and a tail tucked in close to the body is a sure sign of insecurity.
• Americans spend more on cat food than on baby food.