JUNE 1, 2018
OPEN ARMS ANIMAL SHELTER CELEBRATES NATIONAL ADOPT-A-SHELTER-CAT MONTH
LOUISA, KY, – The OPEN ARMS Animal Shelter is celebrating National Adopt-A-Shelter-Cat Month in June. It’s an ideal time to adopt a feline, since the spring and summer months typically bring a surge of kittens and cats to the nation’s shelters.
Whether you’re looking for a fun, frisky kitten or a mellow, mature cat, you’ll find the perfect feline at our Shelter. We have cats of all breeds, ages and personalities, and they’re all looking for loving, permanent homes.
Privately owned and operated by the Lawrence County Humane Society, the OPEN ARMS Animal Shelter encourages people to enrich their lives by adopting a cat. These tips should be considered 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. The Lawrence County Humane Society 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.
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For more information about the many wonderful cats and kittens available for adoption please call the OPEN ARMS Animal Shelter at 606-673-4509 during the hours of 10:30-2:00 pm, Mon-Fri. After hours and on weekends please call Beverly Pack (Volunteer, Lawrence County Humane Society) at 606-571-6224. Some of the animals available for adoption may be seen on our website at
www.lawrencecokyanimalshelter.com or
www.petfinder.com/shelters/KY26.html.
Or follow us on Facebook at OPEN ARMS Animal Shelter. Updates are being done often!
