[ PET OHANA ]
SUCHI PSARAKOS / HAWAIIAN HUMANE SOCIETY
June is Love-A-Cat month, but Oscar the cat receives love and kisses from Eva Ramm all year long.
Isle Humane Society
has a cat for youPetwalk 2003 gets rolling
Adding a cat to your family is a big decision. You'll be getting a companion who will bring warmth and humor to your life and a cat can help teach your children about kindness and caring.
Now while the kids are home from school and you're spending more time together can be a wonderful time to bond with a new feline friend (or two).
June happens to be Love-A-Cat Month, and if you're ready for a 20-year commitment, the Hawaiian Humane Society can help you with adoptions with the following monthlong promotions:
>> Pay one $55 adoption fee for two cats or kittens.
>> During June adopters receive a free 3-pound bag of Nutro cat or kitten food, and a month of free flea preventative.
>> All adopted felines are sterilized and vaccinated, have a microchip ID, and go home in a cat carrier. Two weeks of post-adoption care is provided, along with a free examination at a participating veterinarian.
>> Purchase the new Adopt-A-Cat T-shirt during June at Crazy Shirts mall stores and you'll receive a coupon for a free microchip ID from the Hawaiian Humane Society. Crazy Shirts makes a donation to the society for each of these T-shirts sold in Hawaii.
Here are more tips for cat owners:
>> Keep your cats safe at home: Cats can live three times longer when kept indoors, according to The Humane Society of the United States. Indoor cats are protected from the hazards of traffic, poisons and other animals. Indoor cats can still be allowed to experience the thrill of the outdoors in a yard protected by cat fencing or in a cat playhouse.
If you can't build outside, bring feline fun inside with a kitty condo or climbing tree, or install a perch near a window with a view of a bird feeder. Cats can be trained to wear a cat harness and walk on a leash. You'll see cats wearing these at Petwalk on June 22 (see sidebar).
Plans for a cat playhouse, cat fencing ideas, and harness training are available by calling the Humane Society at 946-2197, Ext. 223. Leave your name and mailing address on the voicemail.
>> Help lost cats find their way home: If you find a sociable stray cat, it is probably a lost pet. The Hawaiian Humane Society is the official lost and found center for Oahu. Call 946-2187, Ext. 285 day or night to report an animal you have found. You are not allowed to keep an animal that you find, although you can request to adopt the animal if he remains unclaimed by his owner.
>> Assist the homeless cat population: You may have a family of homeless (feral) cats living near your home or workplace. Just as important as feeding these cats is sterilizing them. The humane society offers free spay/neuter surgery for feral cats to contain their colonies. Find out more about the Feral Cat Sterilization Program by calling 946-2187, Ext. 285, or go online at www.hawaiianhumane.org, then choose "Programs & Services" and "Feral Cat Sterilization."
Other ways to show you love cats:
>> Sign up to volunteer at the humane society or with a group that helps cats. The minimum age for volunteers is 14 with a six-month commitment, but parents may volunteer with their children ages 7 to 13 as parent/child teams. For more information, call 946-2187, Ext. 216.
>> Identify your cat. Cats over 6 months of age on Oahu, whether kept indoors or allowed outside, must have identification (a microchip ID, a collar, or collar and tag with the owner's name, address and phone number). This identification is the key to returning lost cats to their homes.
>> Bring clean empty shoe boxes to the humane society for use in the Cat House. Check out the entire "wish list" at the Web site: www.hawaiianhumane.org, then choose "Donations and Wish List."
>> Update your pets' microchip information if you have moved or changed phone numbers since your pet received a microchip ID. Call 946-2187 during business hours and advise the humane society of your correct address and phone numbers.
>> Honor animals by making charity the focus of your upcoming birthday, wedding or anniversary party. The Web site MarriedForGood.com offers ideas on how to incorporate charitable giving into your celebration.
>> Sterilize your cat. On Oahu cats age 6 months or older and allowed outside are required to be spayed or neutered. There are many health benefits to cats that have been sterilized and it also helps reduce pet overpopulation.
>> Donate your running used car to the Hawaiian Humane Society. Proceeds will help provide care for homeless animals and find them new homes, and you'll receive a tax-deductible donation that may lower your taxes next year. For more information, call 946-2187, Ext. 213.
"Pet Ohana" runs the first and third Fridays of the month. The Hawaiian Humane Society is a nonprofit agency dedicated to preventing cruelty to animals. They are at 2700 Waialae Ave. Call 946-2187.
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Petwalk 2003 gets rolling
June 22 at Magic Island
Petwalk 2003 will take place June 22 at Magic Island, bringing people and pets together for a morning of fun that benefits homeless cats and other animals in need.The stroll around Ala Moana Park at 8 a.m. is followed by entertainment, a tail-wagging contest and other pet activities. This new site was chosen to accommodate even more pets and people. Register on site that morning at 7 a.m.
To receive a pledge form by mail, call 946-2187, ext. 238; or download one from the Humane Society's Web site at www.hawaiianhumane.org and then select News & Events, Calendar of Events, PETWALK 2003 on June 22.
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calendars and events.
