One of my cats just stomped across my keyboard and the other just flipped over their water fountain and scared herself. While I was thinking about how I wanted to write this I can’t help but mention how often I find myself laughing at the silly little things they do and how much I want others to experience the joy of a feline companion. However, I find myself sad. It’s heartbreaking to see the number of cat adoptions has declined considerably over the last few years.
Back in 2019 our feline friends were finding their forever families at an encouraging rate. In the first seven months 236 cats found their new homes. In 2020, amid the pandemic, in those same seven months 227 cats were adopted. At a time when people were home and seeking companionship while dealing with so much uncertainty, adoptions remained steady overall but the numbers had started to fall. In 2021, the numbers plummeted drastically, there were 190 adoptions in the first seven months. This year, only 171 cats were adopted. There are many reasons it could be especially low this year while society is still adjusting to the new normal. The cost of living has folks digging into the depths of their pockets just to get by. The cost of living has skyrocketed so much it has left people with less in their pockets for their personal necessities, let alone their pets. Many are deterred from the vet bills that can be pricey when first purchasing a pet but through adoption, those fees are far less significant with the care they are already given at MHS.
Kitten Season is in full swing right now and MHS and many other shelters are facing an influx of strays and newborn kittens. Due to the pandemic, we were closed for our normal public visiting hours making it more difficult for people looking to adopt to form those personal connections with our cats. This month we finally launched our new open hours for cat viewings. Every Tuesday from 1-4pm and at least one Saturday per month (TBD). We also have more events planned that feature some of our adoptable cats and people will be given the opportunity to be more personal and hands on.
At MHS we have plenty of adoptable cats just waiting for an application and their forever homes!
Summer
No better time of year to adopt this sweet girl!
Summer came to us as a stray when she and her 2 weeks old kittens were rescued by a group of good samaritans. All of the babies have been adopted and Summer is vetted and ready to be next! Summer would prefer a quiet home where she can have a more personal connection with her forever human/s. Summer is estimated to be about 1 year old, spayed, UTD on vaccinations, FIV/FELV NEGATIVE and microchipped.
Sunflower
Our beautiful Sunflower is from a hoarding situation in Winchester, where over 200 animals were rescued. Sunflower was saved alongside her one baby who was only a couple days old. Tragically that kitten passed away through no fault of Sunflower's own.
Sunflower is looking for a patient family to help her bloom to her full potential. With all the chaos she was found in, we believe she will do better in quieter household. Overall, she is a very sweet and quiet girl just looking to plant her roots with a new family. Sunflower is about 1 year old, spayed + UTD on vaccinations, microchipped and she is FIV/FELV NEGATIVE.
Winnie
Winnie would like to introduce herself! One of the over 200 animals pulled from the hoarding situation in Winchester. Winnie is very loving and playful and with those big beautiful eyes, she’s looking for a spot in your home!
Winnie is spayed and fully vetted and as sweet on the inside as she is pretty on the outside!
Cali and Kiky
There two cuties are a bonded pair that need to go home together.
Cali and Kiky came from a bad situation which left some of their confidence shaken. They both love people and crave attention and would thrive in a household where they can get one on one attention as they continue to blossom into confident cats.
Cali and Kiky are about 3 years old, neutered/spayed, UTD on vaccinations, FIV/FELV NEGATIVE and microchipped.
Clover and Clementine
What’s better than one fluffy kitten? TWO!
Clover and Clementine are a bonded pair and must go home together. These adorable babies are about 4 months old and love to play! Both are a bit shy but they are both growing into their personalities more and more each day. Kittens are tested for FIV/FELV, are given vaccines they are eligible for based on age, are dewormed and have a fecal test. In addition, the adoption fee includes a certificate for any remaining vaccines, spay/neuter and microchipping.
We strongly encourage people adopting kittens to consider a pair, and MHS offers discounts for multiples.
For more information on our adoptable cats please visit our website https://www.meridenhumanesocietyrescue.com/
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