05/18/2021
All cats deserve a furever home! CT Cat Connection has plenty of adorable cats avaialble for adoption!
I’m just going to be honest with you all – it’s been a tough couple weeks at Cat Connection. Our adoptions have been much slower than usual, and it is discouraging seeing the same cats, day after day, not getting any interest from potential adopters. I get it – when you come in for an adoption appointment – you can meet around 30-40 cats, in about an hours’ time and of course everyone will be drawn to the outgoing, immediately friendly cutie pies fighting for attention. It’s easy to look past the cats that are scared and don’t want to look at you – or that don’t feel comfortable letting strangers pet them. It takes a special person to be able to see those cats – and see not where they are today, but all of the potential they have. We are a cat rescue. That means some of these cats came from very traumatic situations, others have lived with their owner for many years and had their whole lives uprooted in an instant. They need patience, love and care. This is not sales – no one can or should talk you into a certain cat – we just ask that you be open to the process – and take some time to consider a cat that may need you more than you need them. It will take more time – but the bonds you develop with them will be strong, and you will probably never regret giving them that chance.
In addition to adoptions, intake and surrender requests are incredibly high. It’s common this time of year – stray cats are outside having kittens and some people even think since it’s warmer it’s a better time to abandon their cat outside. And people are just seeing more strays out and about because they are enjoying the sunshine too. We hate saying no. When we don’t have room it always leaves us wondering what will happen to that cat – we provide resources, lists of other shelters and check in with them as soon as we have space available, but it is tough.
Last but not least – finances. When adoptions are slow, the shelter doesn’t have a solid source of revenue. We get each cat spayed/neutered, vaccinated, microchipped, tested and given flea treatment. A lot of those expenses are almost “reimbursed” through adoption fees – but right now we are still doing our usual care, but without income to balance it. Now don’t get me wrong – no one is going hungry at the shelter and no cats are left without care they need – instead we are using credit cards, care credit etc. – and hoping that when things pick up, we will be able to catch up. And, please know, we do realize you help us with this A LOT. Just last week you all helped us pay Oceania’s vet bill. That was tremendous. It’s easier for us to ask you for help when we have a specific case that needs immediate attention – but sometimes, we just need help with the regular bills – mortgage, electric, etc.
We could use your help, in any way you can to help us catch up here at the center. That does not mean just donations. We need help spreading the word about our adoptable cats (especially the ones that need a little extra love). We need our community to stay invested in the welfare of animals - and to encourage other pet owners to spay and neuter their pets to slow this cycle. We need people willing to volunteer and foster. And yes, of course we can always use food donations (http://bit.ly/CCCChewy, http://bit.ly/CatConnectionAmazon) and monetary donations (http://bit.ly/DonatetoCatConnection). (We know not every person can donate every time, so please, don’t feel like you need to – we appreciate you all regardless.)
Please know though, even if you don’t have the means to contribute money/supplies – it doesn’t mean you can’t help. You help us each day by sharing our posts and supporting us – and we will always be grateful.
