They May Have Nine Lives, But They May Not Have Birthdays!

North Shore Animal League America Declares ‘CATober The First’ as ‘Purr-fect’ Occasion to Recognize Felines’ Legacy

PORT WASHINGTON, N.Y. /PRNewswire-USNewswire/
For the pet experts who lovingly tend to cats and kittens waiting to be adopted at North Shore Animal League America, among the most frequently asked question is “How old is that cat?” Most rescuers can determine the approximate age of a feline, in years, but for the majority, their actual birth dates remain unknown. To give these beautiful animals their much deserved recognition, the Animal League will declare the first day of the tenth month of 2008, October 1st, as CATober The First, a universal birthday for shelter and rescue cats everywhere.

According to a recent survey, we live in a nation where cats, numbering 82 million strong, are the most popular household pet, outranking dogs, birds and rabbits. Many owners are known to select random dates to celebrate their adopted kitty’s birthday. They opt for a significant occasion, a family member’s birthday, or a holiday that reflects the pet’s personality, or in many cases, the date on which the cat was adopted. Now, owners can designate a celebratory date with the unveiling of CATober the First.

To help with the celebration, North Shore Animal League America is inviting cat lovers nationwide to actively participate in the CATober The First festivities by expressing their birthday wishes to their own beloved furry companions, or even a family member or a neighbor’s rescued cat with a specially designed Happy CATober The First e-card greeting. The greetings, with three colorful designs to choose from, can be sent from the Animal League’s website, AnimalLeague.org, starting Monday, September 22, 2008.

In addition, the Animal League will mark CATober The First with the Grand Re-opening of its renovated Cat Habitat, a colonial frame building specifically designed to house felines who have been in the care of the shelter for more than 30 days. There, they can safely roam, play, feed and relax in each other’s company 24 hours a day. Designed and built in 2002, the Cat Habitat’s environment is constructed of cat-friendly materials that hold up to scratching, various height levels for climbing and observing,
and hidden nooks for exploring and naps. It also allows potential adopters to observe the felines’ spunky and playful personalities in an open area.

To preview some of the cats and kittens available for adoption at North Shore Animal League America, the world’s largest no-kill animal rescue and adoption organization, or to send a CATober The First, e-card visit http://www.AnimalLeague.org.