Calling All Cat-Lovers
Since I was a little girl, I have adored cats. The first cat I loved was named Tiger, and he truly opened my eyes to the beauty of these amazing felines. No matter the size, color, or quirky characteristics, I have loved every cat I have met. I am calling all cat lovers to dive into the various communities, foundations, and tips to keep your furry friends happy and healthy. Here are a few of them!
Cat Communities:
Online cat care forums are super helpful to check out. There are lots of crazy cat experts out there that know all the ins and outs of cat care, including health, nutrition, behaviors, caring for stray cats, etc. There are not just educational sites out there, but also groups meant for cat lovers to share their fur babies and stay connected with people who genuinely care for these felines.
Talking to close friends and family members who have or had cats can be very rewarding as well. Getting a second perspective on something as simple as: “What brand of soft or hard food works best for your cat?” can be beneficial.
It is meaningful to think of the poor kitties in your community without a home. Ever heard of the Naughty Cat Cafe? It is one of the largest cat cafes in the world and is located in Chattanooga, Tennessee. It is a great space and community for cat lovers. You get to enjoy baked goods, organic locally roasted coffee or tea, and best of all, be in the proximity of rescue cats from local shelters. All of the cats are up for adoption, but you do not have to adopt to go. Many people just want to give love and attention to these kitties. It is extremely easy to book a spot online. Look up local cat cafes in your area to see if you can plan a visit and give some love to kitties without a home! It is a fun and relaxing experience that can also relieve stress.
Local Chattanooga Foundations and Organizations
The Alice Fund is a non-profit organization that helps provide medical care to cats whose owners cannot afford the resources to access the care. Thanks to donations from generous cat lovers, the Alice Fund has been able to support those in need; such as my roommate and myself.
The Humane Society and McKamey Animal Center are non profit organizations that focus on animal wellbeing. They provide a safe space for abused, and neglected animals who have found themselves in a crisis, in the hopes that one day the animals will find their forever homes!
ChattaNeuter is a low cost spay and neuter clinic that offers high quality care to eliminate unnecessary euthanasia due to overpopulation. They also provide other services such as: Vaccinations, deworming, microchipping, nail trims and more.
Here are some tips to a happy kitty!
Get them spayed/neutered.
Make sure they have annual wellness exams/check ups.
Give them lots of love and attention!
Provide a healthy and loving space! (Scratching posts, cozy beds, clean litter boxes, ledges, cat trees, toys, etc).
Refresh their water bowls .
Exploring numerous communities, foundations, and tips is a fun and helpful way to learn more about your charming cats. New cat owners sometimes do not know what to expect; these felines have a mind of their own. Regardless, it's all worth it. Cats are our cuddly friends that cheer us up when we’re down and keep us warm during cold winter nights. They will greet you at the door with shin rubs and purrs, simply because they missed you! Caring for and nurturing our furry friends is essential to developing a loving environment for you and your kitty.
Strike Out,
Writer: Sunshine Finell
Blog Editor: Sarah Singleton
Chattanooga
