Pets of the Week
The Animal Welfare Society and the ASPCA announce June is Adopt-A-Shelter-Cat Month
YORK - The Animal Welfare Society of West Kennebunk and the ASPCA® (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) celebrate June as Adopt-a-Shelter-Cat Month to bring attention to the wonderful cats and kittens available for adoption at shelters nationwide.
"We want to help raise awareness of this month in a fun way in order to bring home the reality that these cats need safe and loving homes," said AWS Program Coordinator Katie Dolloff. "By adopting a feline friend, not only are you giving a shelter cat a second chance, but you will also have a lifelong companion who will bring many years of love and devotion to your family."
To help in the promotion of this event, the ASPCA conducted a survey of more than 5,900 cat owners from across the United States. The survey revealed some interesting facts about the behavior of cats as well as the behavior of their families.
Of the almost 6,000 respondents to the survey, more than half - 56 percent - reported that they have chosen their cat over a loved one in an argument, with 52 percent stating that they consider their cat the most important member of their family!
A little less than half of the respondents - 46 percent - reported that they have been able to teach their cat a trick, while 23 percent said that they tried to no avail. Not surprisingly, more than two-thirds of respondents - 78 percent - buy their cat presents on the holidays; however, 68 percent of the cat owners said that their cats buy them presents on the holidays. A little more than half the respondents - 53 percent - don't bother to wait for the holidays, and purchase their cats a toy or treat at least once a month. Forty-four percent of respondents have between three and five cats in their home, while one-third - 33 percent - live with one or two cats. Lastly, 34 percent reported spending over $500 per year on their cat.
Spring and summer are the times of year when animal shelters are often overflowing with cats of all ages, sizes and colors.
"All of us here at the Animal Welfare Society encourage you to stop by and visit our wonderful felines," Dolloff said. "With so much variety, you are sure to find your perfect match - or two!"
The Animal Welfare Society in a non-profit animal shelter that serves 18 towns in York County by providing intake and adoption services as well as outreach programs. Current programs include volunteering, humane education, dog obedience, low-cost spay/neuter assistance, fostering for pets of victims of domestic violence and more.
Please visit the AWS online at
www.animalwelfaresociety.org or call 985-3244 for more information.
