indescribableCats wind up in shelters for a lot of reasons, and very few of them are "because s/he was a bad cat." People lose their jobs, or move away and don't take their pets. Kids leave for college. People die. People lose the wherewithal to feed themselves, much less an extra, meowing mouth. And in all of these cases the cats, who have no idea what's going on, wind up suffering for it.
Amazing cats come from shelters. Adult cats who don't need to be trained; kittens who have all the world in front of them. Cats whose personalities are already plain when you meet them, making it so much easier to find the right cat for you. Cats who need you.
I've been very upfront about why none of my current cats are from shelters, and why my lifestyle and emotional needs are better met by reputable breeders. But if you don't fall into this category, and feel that there might be a cat-shaped hole in your life, go and take a look at your local shelter.
This post brought to you by the California Dammit Why Can't I Take Junebug Home Oh Yeah Alice Would Kill Her To Death Committee.
June 10 2012, 02:23:52 UTC 5 years ago
Even so, there are two in the Vola Lawson Shelter (the Alexandria VA shelter where I met Pumba) I wish I could give forever homes. One is a sweet, shy, white-footed tabby guy named Curtiss. The other is a girl named Moonbeam. She'll all black except for a perfect crescent moon of white on her right side. Most amazing markings I've ever seen.
June seems to be adoption month. Vola Lawson is waiving adoption fees for June, too. Talk about bargains--all their cats are vet-examined, neutered as needed, and vaccinated or given boosters as appropriate. The staff also works with the cat and provides a precis of their history and personality. I can't recommend it enough.
June 10 2012, 18:19:07 UTC 5 years ago
I'm very much of the "two is the same amount of work as one" school, but I know that doesn't work for everyone.