It was a really tough Mother’s Day for Lady Jane and Sola.
Both spent the maternal holiday institutionalized and separated from their children. Their only glimmer of hope to get back out into the world is when that someone special looks through their window and decides to take them home.
The two mama cats and their litters were taken to the shelter at the Edmonton Humane Society about 100 days ago. Their little kittens were already adopted away. Luckily, Lady Jane just got her walking papers. Now Sola is the longest-serving feline resident and there are lots of other cats to keep her company, a problem for the organization.
The humane society is dealing with far too many cats, says spokesperson Shawna Randolph. There are 500 animals in total at the facility and cats account for 75 per cent of them.
“It’s very frustrating. We keep saying to people, ‘Please spay and neuter your cats,’” she began. That plea doesn’t seem to be getting through to the public and the problem is amplified by increasing numbers of people moving to Edmonton, St. Albert and area.
“We just don’t think enough people are getting the message.”
That’s her fervent hope. Today is Wish Upon a Whisker Wednesday, a recurring special event where prospective pet owners will have the adoption fee waived for any of the female adult cats like Sola.
For Julie Pullan of St. Albert, attending a similar event last October was a smart decision, especially since she wanted a cat not a kitten. She loves her muted Tortie named Belle.
“She’s just a wonderful cat. I’m very happy! She doesn’t jump on the counter. She doesn’t play in the garbage. She’s very lovable and very much a part of our family.”
Despite the obvious benefits of adopting a mature cat, Pullan is still in the minority. Usually, people are drawn to adorable kittens while so many incoming animals are longer in the tooth.
Randolph sees many cats wait for months and months before the right owner comes along.
“It happens all the time here. The adult ones just get overlooked.”
She added that there are 50 cats that qualify for the promotion. She expects a good crowd to come out for the event.
“We always have people lined up before the doors are open. It’s a good value.”
The society is also offering people another alternative for helping out. If you can’t adopt then you can still sponsor a cat for a tax-deductible donation of $130. This sponsorship helps offset the animal’s adoption fees and, in turn, makes it easier for that animal to be place in a home.
The comprehensive adoption process involves a lifestyle and expectation questionnaire before an adoption interview takes place. Every adopted animal receives a service package including the first set of vaccines, microchip, licensing for one year, spay or neuter surgery, and an engraved identification tag. Cats also come with a free carrying box.
