Last updated: 20 Nov, 2019
Published on: 8 Aug, 2018
Feline friendships celebrated on international day
International Cat Day which is celebrated on Wednesday 8 August has special meaning for all animal lovers who know the joy of having their own four-legged feline friend.
And for anybody who has been thinking about the benefits of introducing a new furry family member into their home, the team at PetRescue thought it would be a good time to remind animal loving Australians about its Shy Cats and Senior Citizens program.
Shy cats tend to stay in rescue care for a long time because they’re not as confident as their exuberant brothers and sisters. But like all other cats they thrive in the right home with love and care.
If you’re a special kind of person who’s willing to open your heart and your home to a shy cat, you’ll find it’s a rewarding experience, as plenty of shy cats show their affectionate side once they’ve settled in - they just need a quiet, calm environment.
And the great news is that senior citizens can adopt a shy cat which has been desexed, vaccinated, wormed and flea treated for just $25. Plus, if your circumstances ever change and you can no longer look after your shy cat, PetRescue will make sure that your cat is returned safely to the care of the rescue group.
PetRescue’s Shy Cats Program Co-ordinator, Caren Holliday, says it takes a special person to open their heart and their home to a shy cat, and that seniors were often the perfect match for shy felines.
“Senior citizens are wonderfully placed to be able to offer shy cats the time, patience and love that they need to blossom, offering both the new owner and the rescue cat a chance to enjoy each other’s company and develop a firm friendship,” she says.
“The special love of a shy cat can be such an incredible addition to a seniors’ life, plus there’s the proven mental health benefits of pet ownership, and the satisfaction that comes from adopting an animal that is in need of a second chance.”
The Shy Cats and Senior Citizens program has been made possible after PetRescue sourced philanthropic and corporate donations to subsidise the cost of the essential vet work every rescue cat needs before they can be adopted into a new home.
“Adult rescue cats really do make wonderful companions and firm friends,” adds Caren.
If you’re a senior citizen looking for a new best feline friend, start your search at PetRescue.com.au. Or get in touch with Caren at shycats@petrescue.org.au, or call 0447 568 809. It sounds like the purr-fect idea to us!
Banner images (in order of appearance)
Autumn from All Creatures Rescue and Rehab. Photo by RaqB Studio.
Evelyn from Mackay Animal Rescue Society
Reuben from Maneki Neko Cat Rescue
Chanel from Kitties Kat Rescue