By Jayn Corral
Changed circumstances cause stress in animals just like they do in people. We have all experienced changes that are happy events filled with anticipation and excitement while others are steeped in sadness and despair. How do cats handle change? Just as change can be challenging for us, it can also be extremely unsettling and disruptive for cats. As cats linger at the S.P.A. it often becomes more stressful for them to transition to a home. Some cats adjust more easily than others and the patience of new owners can play a significant role.
Saved from having been thrown away in the trash, Max, Marco, and Morris arrived at the S.P.A. in September 2022 at just eight weeks old—barely old enough to be without their mother. They were underweight and in poor health. With lots of tender care and medical attention they are now spunky, full of fun, and as happy as can be. They are the perfect age to move on to their forever homes.
Marco, a handsome black and white tuxedo with white paws and whiskers, is the leader of the family. Max, with a more contemplative personality, also loves to play. He is a beautiful Siamese-type happy boy. “My Little Mo,” as I call Morris, was the smallest and weakest of them all. He was determined to get better so he could enjoy a full, fun life. Now he loves to climb and to play, play, play. This little orange creature stole my heart with his resolve. Each of them will give their new family many hours of fun and entertainment.
The volunteers and staff at the S.P.A. provide a comfortable environment, love, and a predictable routine while our cats are in our care. As a no-kill shelter, the S.P.A. is an interim answer until the animals are adopted or become long-term residents, which means we must limit how many deserving cats we can accept. Only with adoptions do we have space to accept new animals in need or our services.
The new year is the perfect time to commit to changing the lives of the cats of San Miguel for the better. Controlling overpopulation and keeping cats healthy help to prevent abuse and tragic deaths. The best way to do this is by sterilizing as many cats as possible and vaccinating them. The S.P.A. clinic offers a kitten package which includes sterilization and vaccinations at a reduced price. See this page of our website for more information: https://www.spasanmiguel.org/clinic-services. There are several organizations in San Miguel that offer free or low-cost sterilization events. We need to educate pet owners and encourage them to take advantage of these opportunities to help.Adoption hours at the S.P.A., Los Pinos 7, are Monday-Saturday between 11am and 2pm, 415 152 6124 (masks required). Our adoption fee is 600 pesos. You can preview all our dogs here: https://www.spasanmiguel.org/adopt-me-dogs/ and our cats here: https://www.spasanmiguel.org/adopt-me-cats/
