CAT’s mission is to work with our community to save the lives of homeless, sick and injured cats and kittens by offering shelter, adoption, foster, hospice, and veterinary services to end needless feline euthanasia in our community.
In a metro area that prides itself on being green and renewable, Portlanders are flocking to local animal shelters to adopt their pets – the ultimate in loving repurposing! An overwhelming majority of those who responded to CAT’s online quick poll indicated they adopted their pet from CAT (45.5 percent), a humane society (23.3 percent), an animal control shelter (8.5 percent), and/or another rescue organization (15.9 percent).
We were amazed to discover this since nationally only 30 percent* of pet owners adopt from an animal shelter.
Other than adopting, most found their beloved cat as a stray (33 percent – higher than the national average of 19 percent) or through a friend (21.6 percent – a little lower than the national average of 25 percent). †
Most of the comments from respondents raved about their “fabulous experience with CAT.”
James updated us on his adoption of Rubarb from CAT back in 1999. “He was renamed ‘Smoke.’ He’s the sweetest cat in the world. Smoke is now suffering from renal failure. We are doing the best we can for him.” Everyone here thanks you, James, for giving Smoke such a long, happy life.
Another respondent shared that “we are very pleased we adopted two kittens from CAT.” And five years ago, we adopted out the “biggest, sweetest boy ever” to a lucky family.
We do want to share this testimonial about Washington County Animal Services, one of CAT’s adoption and Nine Lives cat transfer partners: “Both of my cats are from Bonnie L. Hays Small Animal Shelter. Nicer cats could not be found; just ask them.”
A common remark from survey respondents was “my cat found me.” Our favorite was “I’ve never actually had the opportunity to pick out a cat myself. They always seem to come to me in some way.”
A recent national poll of pet owners showed that 54 percent are extremely likely to adopt their next pet from an animal shelter. Many local organizations were mentioned by name in responses to our survey – what better recommendation than from another pet lover? So when it comes time to enhance your family, check out these organizations: CAT (of course), Bonnie L. Hays Small Animal Shelter, Oregon Humane Society, Salem Friends of Felines, the Florence Area Humane Society, Seattle Animal Shelter, and Kitsap Humane Society (Washington).
Here are the complete poll results:
I got my cat(s) from (multiple answers were allowed since most have multiple pets):
Cat Adoption Team 45.5%
Stray/found cat 33.0%
From friend/neighbor 21.6%
Humane society 23.3%
Animal control shelter 8.5%
Kitten from my cat’s litter 0%
Pet store 2.8%
Breeder .6%
Rescue organization 15.9%
*Associated Press-Petside.com Poll (2010)
†American Pet Products Manufacturers Pet Owner Demographics
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