Toby

Kitten season is a bad time for adult cats in adoption programs and this year is no exception. Even before the flood of kittens has reached its summer peak, ICRA's foster homes are at near capacity caring for over 125+ adults just bursting with personality and character but who - for whatever reason - are still waiting for that special someone to take them home for life. We also find ourselves with an abundance of pure black, white and black & white cats who need homes. In fact, we hold exclusively Black & White Cat Days at our adoption site to showcase them before the kitten invasion. Who knows? This year it could be the tortoiseshells or brown tabbies. The point is, adopting out adult cats is a perpetually unpredictable, uphill battle.

There is no arguing that kittens are irresistibly cute and comical. And let's face it - it's hard for mature adult cats to compete with the typical kitten high jinks in adjoining cages at the adoption site. But contrary to popular belief, friendly, calm and independent adult cats with known personality profiles are probably the best fit across the full spectrum of households, from those with young children and pets to those with single or multiple adults and senior citizens. Unlike kittens, most adult cats neither require nor demand a lot, and they tend to take less time and energy to "train" and acclimate to a new home. Kittens are wild cards -- with adult cats, what you see is what you get. Those of us who truly appreciate the complexity and serenity of these noble creatures know that the kindness, love and care we give them is a small price to pay for the unconditional loyalty, infinite acceptance, and companionship they give in return.

Our many wonderful cats like Naz and Harley have plenty of life left in them. Please give them a chance and perhaps consider adopting one with a kitten to get the best of both worlds. Check our website for pictures and bios - you may be just the perfect match.