Okay, I’ll admit it. Felines haven’t always been my favorite companions. Several years ago, when asked if I were a dog person or a cat person, without hesitation I would answer “I am definitely a dog person.” Well, that was before I understood the essence of cats; now I am equally enamored with both species! Once you develop an understanding of cat behavior, it becomes clear why these free-spirited, yet affectionate, creatures are now the number one companion animal in America.

But popularity can be both good and bad. The good side is that there are over 60 million cats residing in households across the country, but the bad side is that millions of healthy, adoptable cats and kittens are dying every day in shelters simply because there aren’t enough homes for them all. Fortunately PAWS doesn’t euthanize healthy adoptable cats and kittens, so this means that we have to be even more creative in our efforts to find homes for our cats.

This is the very reason that PAWS has created the most stress-free environment in the city for cats: Cat City. PAWS Cat City creates the perfect refuge for felines who are patiently waiting for a home of their own by allowing them to roam freely in rooms specifically designed to keep even the most finicky feline comfortable. There is an abundance of “kitty condos” that enable the cats to lazily snooze the afternoon away. Of course, all of the cats are examined by our veterinarian, altered, vaccinated, tested, and even microchipped. PAWS is acutely aware of the low reclaim rate of stray cats. In 1999, we received 1558 stray cats but only 22 were claimed by their “owners.” Our new microchip program should greatly increase this number and we are committed to doing whatever we can to help more cats find their way back home.

Fair warning: though you may consider yourself to be a devoted dog person, don’t be surprised if, like me, you find your heart captured by the mysterious and charming feline.