Unleashed: ASPCA combats cat misconceptions

Photo courtesy of Project Purr BR

June is adopt-a-shelter-cat month

This month, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) recognizes national adopt-a-shelter-cat month by encouraging the public to adopt one—or more—­of the 3.4 million cats that enter shelters each year.

A recent ASPCA survey of American adults provided some insight into the chasm between cat owners and their cat-less counterparts.

While cat owners have overwhelmingly positive experiences with their pets, people without pets lack an understanding of the benefits of cat ownership.

For example, less than half of pet-less people believe cats make great companions or are low maintenance.

Not surprisingly, 73% of cat owners report felines make fabulous friends. An overwhelming 80% of cat companions agree their felines are low maintenance, intelligent, quiet and independent.

“We hope the public learns from the experiences of current cat owners that there are many benefits of welcoming a cat into your home,” says Emily Weiss, DVM, ASPCA vice president of research & development.

To further bring attention to cats during this month, the ASPCA joins Animal Planet’s My Cat From Hell host Jackson Galaxy and the Jackson Galaxy Foundation to launch a social media contest celebrating shelter cats.

By sharing their cutest/funniest feline photos using the hash tag #MyRescueCat and signing an adoption pledge, participants have the chance to win one of three grand prize packs or have their photo featured on the My Cat From Hell season finale on Saturday, June 13 at 7 p.m. Cat owners can enter the contest at aspca.org/MyRescueCat.

Cat lovers also have the chance to help local shelters this June through the #Litter4kitties. Through this contest, the ASPCA and Freekibble.com is giving away 10,000 pounds of Fresh Step cat litter to shelters. One grand prize winning shelter will receive 5,000 pounds and five runners-up will receive 1,000 pounds each. To nominate a shelter, visit aspca.org/Litter4kitties.

Project Purr BR rescues kittens and cats exclusively from the East Baton Rouge Parish Shelter. Among the fabulous felines available for adoption are:

Creature Feature

Eli is a super sweet patch tabby. He would love to be adopted with his brother, Peyton. They have been together 10 years and are a bonded pair.

Peyton is a gorgeous, social patch tabby. He would love to be adopted with my brother, Eli.  They have been together 10 years and are a bonded pair.

As her name implies, Cuddles is a snuggly adult female torbie.

Tom is an alpha cat who is talkative and loves people. He does not care for other animals and would do best as an only pet.

Monkey is a shorthaired male black kitten.

Myka is a female gray-and-white tuxedo cat.

Delilah is a declawed adult female white cat with beautiful amber eyes.

All these pets have been spayed/neutered, vaccinated, microchipped and litterbox trained. Many other adoptable cats and kittens are available from Project Purr.