June is Adopt-A-Cat Month

Sunshine, yard work, trips to the dog park and plans for vacations. That is what June means to a lot of us. But for the AVMA, CATalyst council, American Humane Association and PetFinder.com it is National Adopt-a-Cat month. Kitten season is upon us and thousands of cute kittens are joining the many older cats already looking for their new "forever" home. The best place to find the perfect feline friend? Shelters and rescue organizations. These groups can be excellent resources for picking out the right fit for you.

If you are thinking about adopting a cat, CATalyst council would like to encourage you to consider adopting two! Cats may seem to be very quiet, almost lazy creatures. But the truth is they are full of curiousity, energy and fun. Two cats can play together, entertain each and keep each other active and healthy. Obesity is one of the top health problems in cats. Two cats increases the likelihood that they will engage in regular physical activity. Combined with proper feeding this can help to reduce obesity. Two cats can also keep each other from getting bored. Boredom can often be a source of unwanted behaviours such as destructive chewing, scratching or marking.

Do you want a social, outgoing, cuddly cat? Look for one with a rounder head and longer coat. Orange tabbies are often very friendly and social.

Cats with narrower heads and shorter coats are often high energy but more aloof in their interactions. They may agree to be in the same room with you but perhaps not on your lap. Siamese cats are a great example of this personality. And of course, every cat comes with his or her own individual personality. Working with the shelter, spending time visiting with the cat and talking to any foster families can help you to find just the right personality match.

And, once you bring your new friend home plan on a visit to the vet within a few days. They should be examined and given a clean bill of health. Even indoor cats should be kept current on Rabies and FVRCP vaccinations at the direction of your veterinarian. And all cats should receive regular physical exams. Cats are champion hiders. They hide when the repairman comes, they hid when it is time to do to the vet, and they hid symptoms of disease until that disease is quite severe. Regular check ups allow your vet to discuss risk factors of disease, help you to monitor weight and examine for things such as heart disease, arthritis and kidney disease. Routine wellness exams allow us to catch disease in its early stages when it can be managed to provide optimal quality of life for as long as possible and, hopefully, much less expense.

Want some more tips for bringing home a new kitty or two? Check out the American Humane Association at http://www.americanhumane.org/animals/programs/special-initiatives/adopt-a-cat-month/