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Brittany's Cat Corner: Why I Have Decided to Have Permanent Resident Cats (Part 2 of 2)
In our previous newsletter, we discussed why we’ve chosen permanent resident cats over an adoption center and our approach to selecting those cats. As promised, here is Part 2!
FAQ 3: Most cat cafes have adoptable cats to save lives! Isn’t that important to you?
Yes! Ten years ago, Boston’s shelters were always filled to capacity, and adding another cat adoption space would have been a top priority. But things have changed: the many years of hard work by greater Boston’s cat lovers, from the #adoptdontshop movement to low-cost spay/neuter and TNR* programs, has shown results in the reduced shelter population of cats. This means that these days, many cages on shelter adoption floors are empty, and places like the Animal Rescue League of Boston (where I volunteer every week) have the opportunity to devote more time to finding the right fit for cats with particular needs, and get them to that new forever home faster. Put another way: why make cats go through the stress of another move (and the additional days they’ll need to settle in) if they can already find their forever home at the shelter that first took them in?
FAQ 4: So your cats will live in the space 24 hours a day? Wouldn’t they be happier spending time in a traditional home environment?
I understand that opinions will vary on this, but I don’t believe this is necessarily true, particularly for cats who have limited-to-no experience with a traditional home environment. I believe that cats who are used to the company of other cats will find the fellowship of several other cats familiar and comforting, while the regular food, cozy armchairs, adoring humans, and protection from the weather/cars/predators will be a wonderful bonus!
FAQ 5: If you aren't adopting out cats, are there other ways you'll be supporting local animal rescues?
All of A Sanctuary Cafe's cats will be "rescues" from Boston-area animal shelters and rescue organizations, with a particular focus on adopting stray, community and colony cats. We are also very excited to be developing an affiliated nonprofit dedicated to helping Boston’s community cats (and the humans who support them)!
*TNR stands for trap-neuter-release or trap-neuter-return. To learn more, visit TrapKing’s great website.
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