October 29 is National Cat Day and is the “purrfect” day to give extra attention to your feline friends. It is a day in which people take time to appreciate the common household cat — an animal that has been around humans for the past 12,000 years. It’s the time of year to show these felines some love and adoration.
National Cat Day was created in 2005 by Colleen Paige, an animal welfare advocate who wanted to start a day to help people recognize just how many cats need to be rescued every year. She also wanted to show people the unconditional love and companionship that cats provide humans. Since its inception, it has helped save the lives of more than one million cats.
Cats make excellent companions. They rarely miss you, but when they do, you sure know it. Awareness days such as this one urge pet lovers to adopt from a local shelter. The day also reminds us that neutering and spaying our furry companions helps reduce the abandoned population.
Shelters are full of cats and kittens in need of forever homes. These feline fur babies come with as many personalities as they do colors and coats. They curl into your heart and will just as quickly remind us they decide who they love. Whether they were born in the shelter, surrendered or abandoned, 3.4 million find their way to a shelter.
Celebrating National Cat Day is as easy as doing something nice for your cat, for your neighbor’s cat or for animal welfare organizations. For example, you can adopt a cat from a shelter on this day, buy your cat a fun new toy or treats, assist an elderly person by cleaning out their cat box, hire a photographer to take a picture of your cat or spend some time volunteering at a local cat shelter. Any of these things are great ways to celebrate the cat and its contribution to us humans.
When considering the adoption of a fur baby, take your time. Each shelter animal will touch your heart, so be sure to find a life-long love. Consider your lifestyle when adopting a cat. Will you have time for an active kitten or will an adult cat be more to your pace? Make multiple visits before making a choice. Sometimes, the “purrfect” cat will choose you. Spend some one-on-one time with the cat so you have some bonding “meowments” and his or her true personality comes through. Do other members of your fur family need to be considered? If so, be sure to introduce them to be sure their personalities mesh.
When you bring your new fur baby home, have a space ready for him or her to decompress and adjust to their new abode. Don’t be surprised if he hides at first. This is normal cat behavior.
What are you going to do on National Cat Day?
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