According to the American Humane Association, approximately 56 percent of dogs and 71 percent of cats that enter animal shelters are euthanized. While there is no scientific evidence to explain why the number of cats is significantly higher, many believe more cats are euthanized than dogs because they are more likely to enter a shelter without any owner identification.
To help combat this high euthanasia rate, cat rescue groups like the Northern Virginia-based 4Paws Rescue Team have been pulling cats from these shelters or from other tragic situations in the hopes of giving them the extra time they'll need to find their permanent home. Four particular 4Paws cats, all from varied backgrounds, have struggled to find the right home to fit their personality. As a no-kill organization, these dedicated volunteers will keep these cats healthy and happy until the right family comes along.
Jeopardy is a Hurricane Katrina refugee, which we can only assume means her life as a young kitten was anything but typical. As 4Paws president Barbara Lipson describes, “She has lost her home multiple times, and now needs the stability and love of a committed owner.” This 6-year-old beauty loves to cuddle and entertain with her fun-loving personality, and is described as friendly and interactive when meeting new friends in her current foster home. Jeopardy would prefer to be the only feline housemate in her new family, but does just fine with canine companions.
Cocoa, a 2-year-old female calico, has had to transition quite a bit in her short life. As a kitten she was found as a stray wandering aimlessly, and then joined a loving family who unfortunately could not afford to keep her in their home. Cocoa is energetic without being overwhelming, and enjoys playtime with string just as much as she enjoys being petted on the head and neck. As such a beautiful girl with unique markings, it’s hard to believe that Cocoa has had trouble finding a home. But this sweet kitty unfortunately suffers from a bit of carsickness. Her arrival at the group’s weekend adoption events usually means a quick bath is necessary, which does not leave Cocoa in the best of moods. But come meet Cocoa in a place where she’s comfortable and bath-free, and this affectionate and personable girl will be your new best friend, asking politely for treats and pets.
Anna, an 8-year-old brown tiger tabby, likes to view the world as her kingdom, perching herself upon taller objects to look down on the world around her. If she’s not perched up above, you’ll find her sitting daintily on someone’s shoulders -- she just wants to be a part of the action and excitement. Anna is a sweet and social girl, who absolutely thrives on human interaction. Lipson explains, “Anna is quite social when it comes to people; she can’t get enough attention. She just wants to sit watching TV or simply hang out with everyone.” She isn’t too keen on other cats in the home, but she guarantees to be enough kitty entertainment for one household.
Rescued from a hoarder where she had to fight for food and space, Quantico is a quirky 2-year-old tortoiseshell kitty looking for a permanent home. She’s described as smart, independent, active, easygoing, and always willing to accept any affection you want to give. Due to the trauma in her past, Quantico does not get along well with other animals in the home, which makes her harder to place in a permanent home. “Quantico wants to be the only pet in the household, so naturally potential adopters do not see her at her best at the adoption fairs (with other cats around),” explains foster mom Andrea Filkins. “But her personality at home is so different … she is all cuddles and kisses. Fair visitors also don't get to see her silly side, when she steals ‘carbs’ (chips, bread, etc.) and runs off to munch on them in a corner, or when she drowns her toy mice in her water bowl … other toys go in the food bowl, but mice need to be drowned.”
4Paws Rescue Team has these and many other great cats and kittens currently available for adoption. Animals in their care can be seen at area PETCO locations, veterinary clinics, and frequent adoption fairs held at various PETCO stores in Northern Virginia. The organization is a nonprofit community-based all volunteer organization, and relies solely on donations to continue assisting cats and kittens in need.
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