Press

The San Francisco SPCA Celebrates Adopt-a-Shelter-Cat Month this June with Special Events for Cats and Cat Lovers

San Francisco, Jun 1 2009: The San Francisco SPCA (www.sfspca.org) is celebrating Adopt-a-Shelter-Cat month this June by promoting cat adoptions through a variety of events, including the Rescue, Recycle, Renew Adoption Fair on June 20 and Catnip, a fun and casual meet-up where cat-lovers can meet and mingle, on June 25.

"Spring and summer bring a surge of cats and kittens into the shelter in need of loving, permanent homes, so now is the perfect time to adopt," explained Jan McHugh Smith, president, The San Francisco SPCA. "For people who already have cats at home, this is the time of year to be sure your cat is healthy by making an appointment at our Veterinary Hospital. We also have a number of online resources that cat owners and people interested in helping San Francisco's feral cat population can rely on."

Everyone is invited to visit Maddie's Adoption Center at The SF/SPCA (250 Florida Street near 16th Street) to meet the wonderful mature cats and kittens available for adoption. You can also meet our cats and kittens online at http://www.sfspca.org/adoptions/cats/, or at the June 20th Rescue, Recycle, Renew Adoption Fair. This free, eco-friendly Animal Adoption Fair sponsored by the PETCO Foundation brings together Bay Area rescue groups and introduces the public to a range of adoptable animals from dogs and cats to bunnies and reptiles. The Adoption Fair will be held on Saturday, June 20, 2009 at The SF/SPCA's 201 Alabama Street entrance. Admission is free. More information is available at http://www.sfspca.org/about-us/events/rescue-recycle-renew.html.

To insure cat-lovers find the perfect match when they come to adopt, The SF/SPCA provides the Feline-ality Meet Your Match Cat Adopter Survey online at http://www.sfspca.org/meetyourmatch, or in-person at Maddie's Adoption Center. Meet Your Match Feline-ality is a research-based program for identifying compatible matches between cats and potential adopters. Once a potential adopter's Feline-ality is identified, adoption experts at Maddie's can introduce him or her to cats with the traits and behaviors that best suit a particular lifestyle and household.

Cat-lovers may also take the Feline-ality test at Catnip, a special event where cat-lovers can meet and mingle with one another and the shelter cats. The first Catnip event will be held 6:30 pm-8:00 pm June 25th at The SF/SPCA's 250 Florida Street entrance. For more information, go to http://www.sfspca.org/adopt-a-shelter-cat.

The SF/SPCA provides these additional tips to help insure many happy and successful cat adoptions this Adopt-a-Shelter-Cat month. You can also find ongoing insight from The SF/SPCA's cat behavior program on the "Litter Did You Know…" blog at http://sfspcacat.blogspot.com/.

• Kids and cats: Kittens may do well with young children while adult cats have a harder time adjusting. We often see more returns with adult cats in association with toddlers/ kids. Check with SF/SPCA staff about which cats may do best in higher activity homes.
• Number: While it is great to adopt pairs, please check with SF/SPCA staff about their compatibility. Some of our cats are highly reactive to other cats. Not all cats enjoy companionship, but many are very social with members of their own species.
• 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. The SF/SPCA encourages you to visit the cat you're interested in several times and to read or ask about any information about the cat's history.
• 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 to The SF/SPCA Veterinary Hospital will keep your cat healthy and happy. Keep your cat indoors to prevent 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!
• Tags: Animal shelters take in millions of lost cats each year that are not wearing any identification. Make sure to include your cat's name and your name, address and phone number on the tag. Even indoor cats can slip outside, so make sure your four-footed companion is wearing her tag at all times. Microchips are another excellent way of identifying your pet. These tiny chips are permanently implanted under your cat's skin and therefore can never come off or get lost. Each SF/SPCA cat and kitten is micro-chipped before leaving the Adoption Center.
• Prepare your home: Both adult cats and kittens love to climb and explore. Be aware of possible hazards. Keep trashcans 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.
• Dogs and cats: We don't introduce dogs to cats at The SF/SPCA. Please speak with SF/SPCA staff on introducing dogs and cats in one household - we're happy to help.
• Spay/Neuter: All our adoptable cats and kittens receive their complementary Snip N' Go at The SF/SPCA. Please spay/neuter your cat if you haven't already at The SF/SPCA Spay/Neuter Clinic.