An animal rescue in Seville, Ohio, is on a quest to find a forever home for a senior cat who found herself back in the shelter's care in March after being returned by her owner after eight years.
The owner of 11-year-old white cat Kathy was forced to give her up because they suddenly developed severe allergies to cats.
"We have a truly unique older lady looking for her retirement home!" exclaimed the Medina County SPCA in a recent Facebook post. "Despite the change, Kathy remains a cheerful, lively companion."
Originally adopted from the SPCA in 2016, Kathy quickly endeared herself to her adoptive family. Now, through no fault of her own, she finds herself searching for another home in her senior years.
In 2023, 6.5 million animals entered U.S. shelters, according to Shelter Animals Count, up 4 percent compared to 2022 intakes. At the end of 2023, 117,000 additional dogs and cats were in the animal sheltering system compared with the same time the year before.
Around 850,000 animals were euthanized in shelters in 2023, a rise of 15 percent when compared with 2022. Shelters are striving to minimize euthanasia rates by promoting adoption campaigns, spaying and neutering programs, and behavior rehabilitation.
Allergies to pets aren't uncommon, with around 10-20 percent of people affected.
People with cat or dog allergies experience symptoms similar to hay fever, a runny nose and itchy eyes being the most common. According to a nationwide study recently published by HouseFresh, homes in the state of West Virginia are most likely to have pet dander (material shed from the body of animals that have fur) while New Mexico has the least.
Described as a sociable companion, Kathy loves a comfy place to sleep and dislikes being picked up or held. She is currently on a diet and prefers to be the only pet in the house.
"Kathy's recent senior blood work showed her in excellent health across the board," the SPCA emphasized in the Facebook post. "She's got plenty of life left to share with a loving family. Together, we can find Kathy a nice home to spend the rest of her years."
With an adoption fee of just $35, the Medina County SPCA hopes to find Kathy a forever home where she can live in comfort and happiness.
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
Uncommon Knowledge
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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
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Alice Gibbs is a Newsweek Senior Internet Trends & Culture Reporter based in the U.K. For the last two years ... Read more
