As we head towards the end of June, I’m taking a moment to write about something near and dear to my heart. If you’ve followed Golden Hill Studio for a while, you know that I’m an animal lover from Day One, and especially the cats that have shared my home over the years.

June is National Adopt-A-Cat Month, therefore, no better time to bring awareness to the need for placing the hundreds of thousands of cats in this country that are looking for their forever home.

I’ll first start with a plea; if you already have one or more cats, PLEASE carefully consider spaying or neutering them. The main reason there is an outpouring of cats in our shelters is because there is a lack of attention to spaying/neutering and before you know it that lovable kitty is having a litter of 3, 4, 5 or more kittens. Most cats can have these minimally invasive surgeries as young as 4-5 months old, but please consult with your vet to see what is best for your furry friend.

Secondly, consider adopting one or more cats. Whether you are home all day, looking for a sweet, cuddly companion, or maybe you have such a busy schedule that a dog is not an option, but a somewhat independent feline, is. Adopting two (or more) kittens as litter mates assures they have constant playmates while you are at work. Don’t want to deal with the first year or so of “toddler” kitten? There are so many middle aged - senior kitties that just want to live out their best years with a loving human.

I currently have 4 cats of various ages. Two, rescued through a friend who is a veterinarian and two from a nearby farm. They bring me joy and friendship every single day.

Share your love of cats with Golden Hill Studio's Whimsical Warm Paws Glassware and to learn more about adoption, visit your local shelter or humane society, or head to the ASPCA website. You’ll be glad you did!