Not the musical. Not the movie. THE BLOG!

Because June is National Adopt a Cat Month, I’m devoting this entire blog to cats — not kittens, but adult cats — and why they make the best, most appreciative, charming, funny, and loving pets in the world. So, get ready to meet some fantastic felines who are waiting for homes, now and forever!

One-year-old brothers Minn and Luca went home just a couple of weeks after they joined my program. They’d never been neutered and lived in a house with too many cats. These gorgeous boys were the dads! So, I offered to take them, neuter them, and find them a home together. They are deeply bonded and were perfect houseguests. They love people, including kids, and are good with other pets, but mostly they love each other. With their magnificent markings and easy-going personalities, they were here and gone almost before I knew it.

And then there’s 5-year-old foster Stevie, right, who’s been in my program for nearly a year! He needed his leg removed, as his former family neglected an injury, and it healed improperly. He was in severe pain, but since the leg was surgically removed, he’s been doing so well. He’s been with my friend in Massachusetts since he was in recovery, and he’s 100 percent healed, healthy, and is such a good boy. However, he is not getting along with my friend’s resident dog, although he’s fine with their easy-going cat. Plus, Stevie is FIV+, but that really should be a non-issue for people, since we now know it’s not a big deal. FIV kitties live long, healthy lives, and FIV is transmitted only through deep bite wounds. He is playful and fun and does stairs and climbs beds like a cat with all four legs. I would love to keep him in Massachusetts, so attention all Bay Staters: there’s a good boy named Stevie with the cutest nub tail looking for you! Contact me at bethsternfosters@gmail.com.

Our pretty foster Phoenix, left, who is three or four years old, was abandoned in a small kitty carrier with a note attached explaining that her owner could no longer care for her. Once she came into our home, she hid for a week, but she has since overcome her trust issues and is now showing her lovely personality. She’s sweet, petite, and so lovable. But, and this is so upsetting, she is afraid of brooms, which makes me wonder what nasty treatment she might have experienced in her home. She deserves the best. Kitties like Phoenix need me to find special adopters, and I promise you, Phoenix, I will! Contact me at bethsternfosters@gmail.com.

I also want to tell you about a young adult named Kami, above. She was found in the Bronx in a park where people were feeding her. Someone even left a cat tree out for her. One of her feeders reached out to me, and we got her admitted to Animal League America. At the moment, she’s the office mate of Tory and Samantha, two of my colleagues at NSALA. Kami will thrive in a cat-experienced home with older children and no other pets. She’s a tiny girl who likes to give love bites, but she’s also very affectionate. Check out Kami’s profile.

There are several other cats at NSALA who have my heart — and need yours, too! First, Taylor and Monkey, left. Their story began a few years ago when a good Samaritan discovered them discarded on the street on a winter’s day and notified my team. I wanted to take them, but I had no room.

At NSALA, our veterinarians discovered that Monkey has a minor heart condition, which is covered by our pet health services. Meanwhile, our feline behavior team worked with Taylor, who felt bereft by their abandonment. Then, two years ago, they were adopted into a loving home, and we were all overjoyed and relieved.

But sadly, that was not their happy ending. Not long ago, they came back to us due to the owner’s health crisis. At 7 years old, they are wise beyond their years and grateful for the connections they’ve forged with the staff. And here I am again in the middle of kitten season, with no room for two more adult cats. This breaks my heart, but I know that their special adopter is out there reading this right now and will give these two gentle souls another chance. Check out Taylor & Monkey’s profiles.

Now I want to tell you about another deserving kitty. Her name is Buick Audra (right), and my colleagues at Animal League America describe her like this:

“Who knew when we first met Buick Audra, a frightened lady abandoned at our shelter a year ago, that she’d transform into a serene lap cat?! We may never know what she endured to reach this place of comfort, but her fierce determination to build trust with humans has been an uplifting, empowering experience for everyone involved.

Where she was once suspicious of hands, she now craves them for the neck rubs they provide. Although she still doesn’t care for other cats, Buick has become quite chipper at the sight of her favorite people popping in for visits. Catnip has given her a thrill that may have been missing her whole life.

Buick has been dealing with dermatological issues due to allergies, which our veterinarians have successfully treated through diet to ensure her optimum health. Her special diet and care for this condition will be covered at cost through our Pet Health Centers, making it easy for her new family to keep her comfortable. Most recently, she had a bout of pancreatitis and is currently receiving treatment for diabetes, possibly triggered by the pancreatitis (or vice versa). Our vets are closely monitoring her condition and are pleased that her pancreatitis has resolved and are hopeful that the diabetes treatment will be equally successful.

This beautiful, 8-year-old Calico is a cherished member of our family at Bianca’s Furry Friends, and among her biggest fans are her vet techs who tend to her health needs. All she needs now is a loving, patient, and experienced family with older children who can take over the nurturing and lead her to homebound happiness.” Check out Buick Audra’s profile.

Currently, I have two adult females who may or may not be feral. Mama Missy, left, who was tucked away in my comfy shed, is now in a cozy room in my house, caring for her adorable babies. It was super easy to get her inside with a towel and a carrier. She lets us be close to her and handle her babies. She’s not aggressive. However, she’s clearly feral, though we will continue trying to see if she could ever be a happy indoor kitty like Bud. It’s going to pain me to have to get her ear tipped (she’s so beautiful!) and set her back on the property of the former adopter who reached out about her. And now there’s another “feral” in my shed who’s about to give birth…but I’m thinking she might not be so feral after all. Also, I have yet another friendly stray about to give birth as well! GEESH! Not one spare room left!

Finally, I want to update you on tiny Althea, right. my foster from the Happy Cat Sanctuary tragedy. She became a lap girl after her painful eye and teeth were removed, and I love her so much. And now — ta-da! — she is home, and it’s the happiest home I could ever have imagined for her. This family recently lost one of its precious members, one of my former fosters named Yang. So, Althea is busy healing broken hearts. I love her so much.

Animal League America welcomed 20 cats from the Happy Cat Sanctuary disaster. Six have been adopted. I’m going to post links here to three of the remaining cats.

Evermore

Sisu

Resilience

If you have it in your heart to give these souls a new beginning, you will never regret it. You will change their lives, and they will change yours.

xo
Beth

P.S. Summer is a fun time of year, but it requires extra precautions to keep our pets safe during this busy season. If there’s one thing that breaks my heart, it’s seeing signs posted on phone poles and tree trunks that say LOST DOG/MISSING CAT. So, as warm weather approaches, ensure all window screens are secure and doors close completely. Summertime brings a lot of outdoor activity, which means doors open and close many times a day. Be sure everyone in your family remains careful and alert each time the door opens so your pet does not slip out unnoticed. Summer also brings fireworks, thunder, and loud traffic noises that can startle a pet and trigger a flight response.

Here are more summer safety pet tips from Animal League America:

Summer Pet Safety Tips
Pets and Firework Safety
Tips for Travelling with Pets