ASPCA Kicks Off June As Adopt-A-Shelter-Cat Month With Revealing Survey

NEW YORK, May 31 -- The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals(r) (ASPCA) celebrates June as Adopt-a-Shelter-Cat Month in order to educate people about the wonderful cats and kittens available for adoption at shelters nationwide. To help in the promotion of this event, the ASPCA conducted a survey of more than 5,900 cat owners from across the United States.

The survey revealed some interesting facts about the behavior of cats as well as the behavior of their owners. Of the almost 6,000 respondents to the survey, more than half, (56 percent) reported that they have chosen their cat over a loved one in an argument with 52 percent stating that they consider their cat the most important member of their family. A little less than half of the respondents (46 percent) reported that they have been able to teach their cat a trick, while 23 percent said that they tried to no avail.

Not surprisingly, more than 2/3 of respondents (78 percent) buy their cat presents on the holidays, however, 68 percent of the cat owners said that their cats buy them presents on the holidays. A little more of half the respondents (53 percent) don’t bother to wait for the holidays, and purchase their cats a toy or treat at least once a month. Forty-four percent of respondents have between three and five cats in their home, while 1/3 (33 percent) live with one or two cats. Lastly, 34 percent reported spending over $500 per year on their cat.

The ASPCA holds this month to help the public remember that cats breed during the spring months, which results in summer being the time of year when shelters are filled with wacky kittens, adventuresome adolescents, captivating young adults and mature hedonistic comfort-seekers. Cats of all ages, breeds and personalities reside in nationwide shelters and await the perfect family.

“Spring and summer are the times of year when animal shelters are often over-flowing with cats of all ages, sizes, and colors,” says Edwin Sayres, president and CEO of the ASPCA. “We want to help raise awareness of this month in a fun way in order to bring home the reality that these cats need safe and loving homes. By adopting a feline friend, not only are you giving a shelter cat a second chance, but you will also have a lifelong companion who will bring many years of love and devotion to your family.”

The ASPCA National Shelter Outreach department (NSO), with the help from makers of Fresh Step(r) cat litter, is providing promotional materials to over 5500 shelters and rescue groups nationwide to help them create an exciting month-long promotion. The materials, with the theme “Be The Love of Nine Lives,” include press materials for media outreach, valuable guidelines for shelter staff, tip sheets for new adopters and poster art, which illustrates feline diversity at shelters.

Make Pet Adoption Your First Option(r) is a message that the ASPCA encourages throughout the year in order to facilitate their ultimate goal, an end to the euthanasia of all adoptable animals.

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Founded in 1866, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animal (ASPCA) was the first humane organization established in the Western Hemisphere and today has one million supporters. The ASPCA’s mission is to provide an effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States. The ASPCA(r) provides national leadership in humane education, government affairs and public policy, shelter support, and animal poison control. The NYC headquarters houses a full- service animal hospital, animal behavior center, and adoption facility. The Humane Law Enforcement department enforces New York’s animal cruelty laws and is featured on the reality television series Animal Precinct on Animal Planet. Visit http://www.aspca.org for more information.

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Jo Sullivan

Media Contact

ASPCA

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