westernplainsanimalrefuge.org

June is "Adopt a Shelter Cat" Month, and we need you!

Living in Kansas, we're so intricately connected to the earth and its annual cycles that we sometimes don't even think about it. What we eat, what we wear, how we decorate our houses, what we do for fun ... everything is connected to the seasons.

In spring, we plant. Our soil is fertile, and rains and warmth turn our landscape into a budding wonderland. Summertime sun helps everything to grow strong and tall. And by fall, it's time for harvest. Plants, trees and people get ready to settle in for a cold winter. We are on a cycle, month after month, year after year. It's only natural, then, that our animals are on the same cycle.

Each year, thousands of kittens are born each spring to unspayed and unneutered cats. Some find homes. Some remain wild and feral. Many succumb to disease, injury and attacks by other animals. Some end up in animal shelters where they are euthanized because of overpopulation. And some very, very lucky ones end up in no-kill shelters like ours where they are taken care of, given space to play and grow, and find forever homes.

At Western Plains Animal Refuge, we provide socialization, hiding areas, sunning areas, an open and inviting cat play room, toys, and lots of love to our shelter cats. That way, they'll be well adjusted, happy and healthy when they find their forever home. Our adoption fee covers their front declaw surgery, and also leukemia and FIV testing, deworming, their first year vaccinations and their spay or neuter surgery.

June is a natural time to adopt a shelter cat. It's one of our busiest times a year for kittens and stray cats to be brought in, so you're likely to find just the perfect match.

Here are some tips for finding the perfect cat or kitten:

• Decide what age will work best for you. Kittens are adorable, but if you have young children, an older cat may respond better to less-than-gentle handling. Rough handling can result in injuries to both the cat and to the child. Our older cats are declawed in the front so that they don't scratch children — or your furniture. We want them to be a true forever pet!
• If you only have one cat at home, you may want to consider adopting a friend. Cats are generally social creatures, and many enjoy playing and being around members of their own species.
• Decide what personality type you want. Do you want a lap cat, or a cat that likes its space? Do you want a cat that enjoys playing, or a cat that likes to sit quietly beside you while you read? There's a cat for everyone!
• Grooming is important. Long haired cats are beautiful, but they do require brushing so that they don't get painful mats. Short haired cats tend to keep themselves well groomed and require little brushing. What do you have time for?
• You don't have to be rich to have a cat, but you do have to make sure they are fed well and receive yearly vet visits. Keep your cat indoors to prevent her from getting into fights with other cats, getting fleas or getting into accidents. Her litter box should be kept clean, too, so that she doesn't decide to go somewhere else. Like anything else worthwhile, there are responsibilities to having a cat.

We have many cats and kittens available, and we'd love to help you find the perfect pet for your home! Please visit us at www.westernplainsanimalrefuge.org or visit our cat adoption page HERE.