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Tag: cat adoption

  • 22 NC cats owned by man with terminal illness need rescuing, Wake SPCA says

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    SPCA of Wake County is asking the public for donations to help rescue 22 cats from a North Carolina home.

    SPCA of Wake County is asking the public for donations to help rescue 22 cats from a North Carolina home.

    Screen grab of SPCA of Wake County Instagram

    SPCA of Wake County is looking for donations to help rescue around two dozen cats “in urgent need of help.”

    An “elderly” man and his wife were known in their neighborhood for taking in cats in need, the animal welfare agency shared in a social media post.

    But the woman died over the summer, placing more responsibility on the man, who has a terminal illness, the agency said.

    He has been “doing absolutely everything he can” to take care of the 27 cats, according to the SPCA. He knows their names, cleans their spaces daily and has built a large outdoor enclosure to keep them safe from nearby roads while allowing them to roam.

    “The circumstances are certainly not perfect, but they are a reflection of true effort and a caring heart — please join us in sharing compassion for everyone involved in this case,” SPCA of Wake County wrote.

    The SPCA noted that the Wilson County Humane Society first connected with the man and reached out to Wake SPCA for help.

    “With his own worsening illness at hand, caring for 27 cats has become impossible,” SPCA of Wake County wrote in the post. “Neighbors have been chipping in and volunteering to help, but what these cats need is sheltering and adoption.”

    22 cats remain on property

    The animal welfare agency has rescued five cats so far, but they are “very frightened” and are adjusting to their new homes, Darci VanderSlik, director of communications for SPCA of Wake County, told The News & Observer in an email.

    Twenty-two cats remain on the property, in outdoor cages, and the group is looking for the public’s help to find resources to care for the animals.

    SPCA Wake is partnering with shelters to help the cats that remain and providing supplies and spay/neuter support. It plans to return to the property next week to assess and take more cats, VanderSlik said.

    How to help SPCA of Wake County

    Thanks to a group of supporters, donations to SPCA of Wake County are being matched up to $150,000 during November.

    Donate at spcawake.org.

    In this 2016 file photo, a volunteer at SPCA of Wake County reads a book to cats. SPCA Wake is building a new facility to expand its animal-saving capabilities in North Carolina.
    In this 2016 file photo, a volunteer at SPCA of Wake County reads a book to cats. SPCA Wake is building a new facility to expand its animal-saving capabilities in North Carolina. Jill Knight File Photo

    SPCA of Wake County expansion

    The SPCA of Wake County works in more than 50 North Carolina counties. In 2024, it facilitated more than 3,500 animal adoptions, according to the agency’s impact report.

    To expand its capabilities, SPCA Wake is building a new, 27,000-square-foot facility in Raleigh to expand the agency’s ability to provide veterinary care, spay and neuter services and community education.

    The Susan and Randall Ward Regional Campus for Pets and People will include the current Pet Adoption Center and the new Pet Admissions and Resource Center.

    The new Pet Admissions and Resource Center will replace SPCA Wake’s current admissions center in Garner.

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    Renee Umsted

    The News & Observer

    Renee Umsted is a service journalism reporter for The News & Observer. She has a degree in journalism from the Bob Schieffer College of Communication at TCU. 

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    Renee Umsted

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  • Adopting and Assimilating a Rescue Cat | Animal Wellness Magazine

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    When we talk about geniuses, Leonardo da Vinci’s name can never be excluded. Marina Alberghini, a renowned writer from Florence, identifies herself as a feline historian. Her book, Gatti e Artisti (Cats and Artists), includes a chapter on Leonardo da Vinci’s interest in cats. Alberghini notes, “It’s no secret that Leonardo had a fondness for cats.” Among the numerous cats he owned, one in particular, whose name remains unknown, was closely studied by him; he made observations in his notes about its pupil contractions and agility. Leonardo’s study of cats made him famously say: “Even the smallest feline is a masterpiece of nature.”

    Cats are marvelous. They are exquisite in everything they do. They can make you laugh. They can make you wonder. However, many of these adorable felines are currently in rescues and shelters and are in need of homes.

    Adopting a rescue cat can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Your attention can transform their lives, and their charm can transform yours. Understanding how to help them adjust to a new home makes all the difference.

    Embrace the Journey

    When you welcome a rescue cat into your home, expect a unique adjustment period. Unlike dogs, cats don’t follow a set timeline. Each cat has its own pace. Prepare yourself with time, patience, and a calm demeanor. If your new friend arrives from a feral environment, expect this transition to take longer.

    Create a safe space where your cat can feel secure. A quiet room allows them to explore their surroundings at their own speed. This space serves as their sanctuary, helping them acclimate gradually. Your calm presence reassures them during this critical time.

    Set the Stage

    If you have other feline companions, consider their feelings too. Introducing a new cat can be stressful for everyone. Start by keeping the newcomer in a separate room. This setup allows your existing cats to adjust to the new scents and sounds without feeling threatened.

    Use baby gates or carriers for introductions. This method keeps everyone safe while they sniff and observe each other. Monitor their interactions closely. Be ready to intervene if tensions rise.

    Create Familiarity

    To ease the transition, keep your new cat’s food and litter consistent at first. Familiar scents provide comfort. After a week, slowly introduce your preferred products. Use treats to create positive associations. This approach helps them connect with their new environment.

    Remember, some cats take longer to adjust. Provide hiding spots where they can retreat when feeling anxious. A cozy carrier without a door can serve as a perfect safe space.

    Stay Flexible

    Every adoption story is different. Some cats acclimate smoothly, while others need more time. Be prepared for various scenarios. Your patience and understanding play a crucial role in their adjustment.

    Keep an eye on their behavior. Track litter box usage and food intake to ensure they are settling in. Remember, these small victories are signs of progress.

    Adopting a rescue cat is a journey filled with love and patience. Your dedication can change their world. Embrace each moment, and celebrate the small successes along the way.

    Your new cat will flourish in a nurturing environment. Each day brings new opportunities to bond and grow together. Share your story with others to inspire them to consider adopting too.

    The post Adopting and Assimilating a Rescue Cat appeared first on Animal Wellness Magazine.

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    Animal Wellness

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