‘Adopt a Cat’ month: Local shelters highlight cats needing a home

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – June is national “Adopt a Cat” month, which encourages potential pet owners to keep shelter cats in mind when searching for a new companion. 

Approximately 3.2 million cats enter animal shelters annually, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. About 530,000 of those cats are euthanized every year. Numerous shelters locally and nationwide face overcrowding, especially during the spring and summer, due to the high amount of kittens being born outdoors.

Multiple local shelters told NBC4 they are overwhelmed with the influx of kittens and highlighted some shelter cats they are hoping to find a home for. 

Ark of Redemption 

The nonprofit cat shelter Ark of Redemption, at 1041 Mediterranean Ave. in the Busch neighborhood, has two long-term residents who have been waiting for a home for over a year. The shelter's adoption fee ranges from $125 to $150.

The shelter described 6-year-old Oakley as “well-behaved” and “friendly.” The female is also independent and enjoys interactive toys. Oakley gets along with other cats, but would also do well as an only cat. She would do best with no dogs and older children, or no children. 

Six-year-old Maine Coon mix Greyson is also searching for a home. The male, who the shelter described as having a “quirky” personality, is friendly and enjoys pets and cat toys. Greyson would do best as an only cat, with no dogs and older children, or no children. 

Colony Cats

Colony Cats, at 2740 Festival Lane in Dublin, has an adoption fee of $50 to $100. The shelter said it is looking for adopters or fosters for any of their cats, but especially senior cats and felines with health issues like kidney disease and thyroid conditions.

Astro is one of the nonprofit's cats who was living outside in "dangerous" conditions before coming to the shelter. Estimated to be around 3 years old, Astro has feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) -- cats with the virus typically live normal, long lives, but should be kept as an only cat. FIV-positive cats cannot transmit the virus to dogs. Although he had a rough upbringing and damaged his ear, the shelter said he has a sweet demeanor.

Columbus Dog Connection

The Columbus Dog Connection, at 2761 Johnstown Road near the John Glenn International Airport, has a $100 adoption fee for cats. Potential adopters must schedule an appointment to meet an animal. 

The organization is searching for a home for Julia, who was dumped at their office while they were closed on the weekend – she is now almost 5 years old. Although Julia is extremely shy, the nonprofit said she will “melt your heart.” She would do best in a home with another cat and no young children. Due to her shyness, she will likely need a patient adopter to give her some time to adjust to her new home. 

Columbus Humane

Columbus Humane, located at 3015 Scioto Darby Executive Court in the Raymond Park neighborhood, has been rescuing animals in central Ohio since 1883. Cats cost anywhere from $75 to $150.

Flannigan is described by the shelter as having a “heart of gold” and “laid-back personality.” The 8-year-old male is relaxed, independent and enjoys gentle pets. 

Penelope Petunia Peachtree, a 5-year-old female, is described as a “gentle soul” with a heart “full of love.” The shelter said she may be shy at first, but she becomes very sweet and loving once she has warmed up. 

Also looking for a home is Quinn, a female 10-year-old senior cat, who is said to have a charming youthful spirit. The affectionate feline loves being pet and cuddling in people’s laps. 

Sadie, a 6-year-old female, is described as a mature, reserved, and sweet cat. Although she is shy, once she has warmed up to someone she will shower them with affection. Her ideal adopter is patient and would give her time to blossom in her new home. 

100 Grand, a 1-year-old female, has an “unquenchable curiosity and a sharp intellect,” according to the shelter. She is a bit shy and would do best in a relaxed home environment. She is independent and may take some time to warm up, but once she does, she is an affectionate girl.

All the featured cats with Columbus Humane would be most comfortable in a peaceful, less active home. They would do best around older children, and may go to homes with calmer dogs after an introduction.

Central Ohio has countless more cat shelters and rescues, including Cozy Cat Cottage, Columbus Pet Rescue, Saving Grace Cat Rescue, The Cat Welfare Association, and CHA Animal Shelter. 

All of the featured shelter’s adoption fees cover the cat’s medical fees, such as spay and neuter as well as vaccinations.