Consider adopting a cat
On Saturday, June 19, 2010, the Deseret News published an article Kitten Season' Overwhelms Animal Shelter by Amy K. Stewart and Gina Barker. The article had great information about adopting a kitten from the Humane Society of Utah, as well as the current state of kitten adoptions.
We would like to re-post a comment made by Joanne Wagner of Salt Lake City, in response to this article. Ms. Wagner's comment reads as follows:
In your article about the Humane Society of Utah ("Kitten season overwhelms animal shelter," June 19), you mentioned the large number of cats up for adoption. It is important to emphasize that adult cats can make excellent companion animals. In spite of their reputation, they are generally very affectionate and are wonderful pets for their owners. Even with the diligent efforts of the staff and volunteers at the Humane Society, a shelter setting is stressful on a cat. The dogs, the other cats and the unfamiliar people wandering through the shelter often cause these animals to retire to the back of their cages in fear. After a short time in a home setting, an adopter will often find a "shy" cat turns into a more social companion once he or she feels more secure. I hope that your article will encourage potential adopters to go meet the cats eagerly awaiting a chance with a new family. After all, the efforts of the staff, the volunteers and the foster network are made in an effort to save lives, and it takes community support to make that happen.
This is the time of year where a lot of cats are giving birth, and so a lot of them are unwanted litters. In 2009, 5,748 cats were brought into the center. Only 3,137 cats were adopted, leaving more than 2,500 without a home, shelter officials said.
We appreciate Ms. Wagner's statement and hope that you'll consider adopting a cat from the Humane Society of Utah. A new member of your family could be waiting for you!
The HSU's Cup Runneth Over With Kittens and Cats!
Space for cats and kittens is at a premium in the Humane Society of Utah animal shelter. Along with the influx of newborn kitties received during “kitten season,” the HSU has also seen a dramatic increase in the number of adult cats being relinquished by owners due to the slow economic recovery, foreclosure, down-sizing, etc.
The Humane Society has called upon all of its foster families to help take care of the countless litters coming into our facility. At the same time the HSU has stepped up its efforts to increase adoptions. Currently, the adoption fee for all kittens 5 months old & younger is $50 ($70 for two kittens). Cats 5 months of age up to 2 years of age can be adopted for $24.50 while the adoption fee for all cats over 2 is just $10!
This situation facing the Humane Society emphasizes even more the need for all cat owners to make sure their pets are sterilized and remain indoors. The public can contact the Humane Society at 801-261-2919 for answers to any questions regarding fostering, sterilization and adoptions.
