MASON CITY – The Humane Society of North Iowa is celebrating National “Adopt-A-Cat” month and has a large variety of kittens and adult cats all available for adoption.
It’s an ideal time to adopt a feline, since the spring and summer months typically bring a surge of kittens and cats in to shelters. “Whether you’re looking for a fun, frisky kitten or a mellow, mature cat, you’ll find the perfect feline at our shelter,” says Sybil Soukup, Executive Director. “We have cats of all breeds, ages and personalities, and they’re all looking for loving, permanent homes.”
(PHOTO: Sophie, a female Domestic Short Hair, available for adoption. Call the Humane Society of North Iowa at 641-423-6241 for more information. Photo courtesy of lifephotography.)
The Humane Society of North Iowa (HSNI) encourages people to enrich their lives by adopting a cat and offers these tips to consider when adopting:
• Age: While kittens are hard to resist, adult cats are often better suited to families with young children. Mature cats respond better to being handled by inquisitive toddlers.
• Number: It can be beneficial to adopt more than one cat or kitten, especially if the pets will be left alone for long periods while you are gone. 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. HSNI encourages you to visit the cat you’re interested in several times and to read any information from a previous owner.
• Coat: The longer the cat’s fur, the more brushing will be needed to prevent painful matting.
• Nutrition and health: Good nutrition and twice-a-year vet visits will help your cat stay healthy and happy. Keep your cat indoors to prevent her from contracting diseases, being hit by a car or getting hurt by other animals.
• Tags and microchips: Millions of cats are taken to animal shelters as strays each year — but only about 2 percent of cats without an ID tag or microchip are reunited with their owners. Make sure your cat wears a collar and tag with the cat’s name and your name, address and phone number. Microchips provide permanent identification that can never come off or get lost.
• Prepare your home: Adult cats and kittens love to climb and explore, so beware of possible hazards. Don’t let cords or wires dangle, and cover any floor heating and air vents. Some houseplants may be toxic; check with your vet for details.
• Kids and cats: Children should be taught that a kitten or cat is a companion, not a toy. Rough handling can lead to injuries to both the cat and the child.
• Dogs and cats: Cats and dogs often enjoy each other’s company, but great care must be taken when introducing these two species. Some dogs may be aggressive toward small animals and may not be suited to sharing their homes with cats. If you have a dog, ask the adoption staff if you can bring him to the shelter to meet the cat in a controlled environment before you adopt. Most cats will be frightened the first time they see a dog and will need time to accept a canine companion.
To see all the cats that are available for adoption, please visit the Humane Society of North Iowa’s shelter or view the animals online at: www.hsni.org
