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The Honolulu Advertiser

Posted on: Sunday, June 19, 2005

ANIMAL COMPANIONS
Is this great or what? Pay fee for 1 cat, get 2

Hawaiian Humane Society

June is Love-a-Cat Month, and the Hawaiian Humane Society encourages everyone to make a difference in the lives of cats in the community.

Take home two cats or kittens during June for just one adoption fee. Those who purchase the Crazy Shirts Adopt-a-Cat T-shirt will receive a coupon for a free feline microchip ID.

Hawaiian Humane Society

For those thinking about expanding their family to include a feline, two cats or kittens may be adopted from the humane society for a single $55 adoption fee, which includes: sterilization; microchip identification; first vaccination; a coupon for a free cat flea product (Revolution, Topspot or Frontline Plus) redeemable at any O'ahu veterinary clinic; and a Nutro cat starter kit that includes food and information on cat care.

Other ways that cat lovers can make a difference is to get identification for their pets.

"This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Cat Protection Law, which the humane society helped to establish," said Pamela Burns, CEO and president of the Hawai'i society. "This city law has helped to reunite thousands of lost cats on O'ahu with their owners, and has reduced overpopulation."

The law requires all O'ahu cats to have identification, and all cats at least 6 months old allowed outdoors must be sterilized. The first year after the law passed, the humane society noted a 137 percent increase in reunions of lost cats with their families, Burns said.

A recent Ward Research survey commissioned by the society found that 17 percent of O'ahu residents are feeding cats that they don't feel responsible for.

"For those that are feeding one or two, we encourage them to try to domesticate them and take ownership of these special friends to ensure that they live longer and better lives," said Burns.

Supported by community donations, the society's free sterilization program for feral cats meant that 2,800 cats were spayed or neutered last year. This has prevented thousands of unwanted litters in O'ahu's neighborhoods.

Cat owners can purchase reduced-rate sterilization certificates as part of the city's Neuter Now Program that the humane society administers at no cost to taxpayers. Cost is $40 for a male cat and $50 for a female cat.

For those with EBT cards, the certificates are $20 flat rate with no additional charges by participating veterinarians.

The certificates and a list of participating veterinarians are available at the humane society, 2700 Wai'alae Ave., or at satellite city halls.

For more than 20 years, Crazy Shirts has been a supporter of the humane society — creating a signature shirt every June that raises money for the society.

"The community loves these shirts," said Mark Hollander, CEO of Crazy Shirts. "These limited-edition shirts that promote cat adoptions really have become a local favorite and a collector's item." A portion of T-shirt proceeds are donated to the society.

As a special bonus, June shoppers at Crazy Shirts at Ala Moana or Pearlridge centers, or at the humane society shop, will receive a coupon for a free microchip ID from the humane society with every purchase of an Adopt-a-Cat shirt.

On O'ahu, Burns said, "It's estimated that more than 120,000 cats share our homes. Our goal is to place as many homeless cats as possible in loving homes where they will have lifelong companions."

The humane society is open from noon to 8 p.m. weekdays, and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends and holidays. The receiving desk for incoming animals always is open. To report lost or found animals, call 946-2187. For more on the society, see www.hawaiianhumane.org. The Web site features a list of all programs, upcoming events and Pets of the Week, a wide selection of cats and other animals that are available for adoption.

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ADOPTABLES

Pikake

Tag No. 63165. This is Love-a-Cat month, and there are lots of felines to meet at the Cat House. Pikake is an adorable adult calico cat with a friendly disposition. You can adopt her and another cat or kitten for just one $55 adoption fee this month.



Hiwakawa

Tag No. 65884. Here's a friendly pit mix who is just 10 months old. His trainers say that Hiwakawa can sit, walks well on a leash, and responds to training with positive reinforcement. Already neutered, he is ready for a new home today.

These animals already may have found homes. The Hawaiian Humane Society and McInerny Dog Park at 2700 Wai'alae Ave. are open daily. For hours, directions, special events and to see more pets available for adoption, visit www.hawaiianhumane.org or call 946-2187. Call immediately to report lost or found animals.