American Humane's Adopt-A-Cat Month® Celebrates Man's Best Friend -- The Cat

American Humane Association
Tuesday, 4 March 2003

For centuries, people have referred to the canine as "Man's Best Friend," but according to American Humane, the domestic cat has become the most popular pet in the United States, giving new meaning to the phrase. The Pet Food Institute states that in the 60% of households in the United States that own a pet, there are more than 75 million cats, versus 60 million dogs.

If you have considered joining the growing ranks of cat caretakers, now is the time. As summer approaches, animal shelters across the country brace for the inevitable onslaught of homeless spring kittens and cats looking for good homes. In fact, June is one of the busiest months for animal shelters, which is why each June American Humane observes Adopt-A-Cat Month, a nationwide event to promote the adoption of cats from animal shelters. With approximately 71% of cats that enter animal shelters having to be euthanized, Adopt-A-Cat Month helps ensure shelter animals find loving, caring homes.

From Bowser to Meowser...Felines forge ahead in place normally held by "Spot"

According to American Humane, one reason cats have stolen the title of "Man's Best Friend" is that many people are finding out cats are not necessarily the reclusive loners their reputation holds. Take Tiffany for example. Tiffany was rescued by San Diego animal control officers in a hoarding case. After receiving extensive medical care and TLC, Tiffany was placed with new caregivers and now spends her days at their antique shop serving as the new store greeter and antique appraiser. The 10-year-old Maine Coon mix is a pro at selecting the most comfortable pieces in the store and advising clients on "cat-approved" antiques.

"I think Tiffany has adopted me," says store manager Diane Cheryll. "She loves people and is completely comfortable with customers coming up to pet her -- visitors come into the store just to see her!" Cheryll adds that Tiffany's high-profile exposure makes her the perfect spokes-feline for animal shelter adoptions and the joys of adopting older cats.

Thinking about adopting a cat? Consider these fun cat facts:

• Loving a cat every day will keep the doctor away! People who own pets live longer, have less stress, and have fewer heart attacks. In fact, stroking a cat can lower one's blood pressure.


• Cats have heart! Cat hearts beat twice as fast as human hearts, at 110 to 140 beats per minute. This means they have twice the amount of love to share!


• Cats love to listen. The more cats are spoken to, the more they will speak to you! Don't we wish this were true with humans?


• You don't have to worry about bath time! Cats spend 30% of their waking hours grooming themselves.


• There are more than 500 million domestic cats in the world, and 33 different breeds, so the opportunities to find the perfect cat for you are endless!


• Cats are natural meteorologists. According to legend, a cat sleeping with all four paws tucked under means cold weather is coming.


• Cats are easily entertained. Simple household flashlights or a fishing pole-type apparatus that has feathers, streamers, or other items attached to it with string will keep cats happy for hours.

There are many reasons to adopt a cat, but one thing's for sure -- cats are wonderful animals that provide love, companionship, and affection. Stop by your local animal welfare organization today and check out the friendly felines available for adoption. You may find one that steals your heart.

For more information, or to contact American Humane Association, see their website at: www.americanhumane.org