Now’s a good time to adopt a cat
Carolyn L. Cheney
Board of Directors
I have heard a number of folks say they would like to adopt a cat but want to wait until spring. Please don’t wait until spring — adopt now from the Central Aroostook Humane Society. We have so many loving cats waiting for a home. Some of them have been with us way too long, and we are especially anxious to find them a forever home.
Many reasons to adopt a shelter cat can be found at www.care2.com, including the following:
• Shelter cats come in all shapes, sizes and colors. There is a wonderful variety of cats at the helter. Shelter cats are well taken care of by the staff, and the staff does its very best to ensure that only healthy cats are adopted. Many have had their shots and some have been neutered/spayed. Also, all cats are litter-boxed trained;
• When you visit, the staff will help you select the perfect companion. They are very good at matchmaking, as they understand the personalities of the various cats. Not all cats are the same. Also if you have never owned a cat before, they will help you with what you need to do to adjust to your new friend, the kind of food for the cat and the other needs of a cat;
• Many folks don’t realize that the majority of the shelter cats are happy, healthy and well-adjusted. The fact that they don’t have a permanent home is the only thing wrong with them. Sometimes we have a special needs cat, and we welcome people who may be interested in giving a cat with medical problems a loving home. It could be a cat with a thyroid condition that needs medications and occasional blood tests to monitor the condition; and
• Adult cats make wonderful housemates and companions. Two cats together are even better, especially if you are away from home for long periods of time. Cats provide companionship and have been known to reduce blood pressure in their owners. Also for folks who live alone, cats ease isolation. Most cats love to play, and some are livelier than others. Just watching a cat or cats play can be so entertaining. Also, having a cat sit on your lap and patting it is very soothing to the cat and relaxing for the owner. Cats don’t need to be walked and actually do not require a great deal of care. Love, food and water, a clean litter box and medical care are the necessities.
The purpose of the Central Aroostook Humane Society is to adopt as many cats and dogs as we can to loving, permanent homes. If there is room, we keep animals as long as we possibly can in order to find the right home for them.
Currently, we have 60 to 70 cats. Please help us reduce that number. Many of the cats have been in cages too long and so need a home. Last year we found homes for over 400 cats. Please visit us at 26 Cross Street and adopt a friend or, better yet, two friends for life. The adoption fee is $20 or two cats for $30. If the animal has not been spayed/neutered, it is necessary to leave a $100 check or cash which will be returned to you when altering has been completed.
Christmas time at the shelter is when many individuals and businesses remember us with monetary donations or supplies. On behalf of the Board of Directors, the staff and our resident guests, thank you so much. With your help, we are able to do things easier. Thank you again.
