Dear Friends,

We're celebrating Adopt-a-Shelter-Cat Month during June. I recently spent several days at my parents' home and got to re-connect with the family's old black-and-white cat, Lou, now about 19 years old. It was fun to see this rather decrepit cat stalk my folks' huge German shepherd, who acted appropriately intimidated.

We always had cats when I was growing up. The first ones were Charlie and Cricket, who predated me in the family. Then came Kitty Girl, who passed away when I was in college. About that time, I rescued the ancient Callie when her owner died and she was going to be euthanized. Kesa and Lou were the last to join the family, also rescues.

Our cats always pretty much ruled the roost, and we never thought about training them. A little advice would have been helpful at times. If you're adopting a cat, click here to find some great video tips on training, as well as how to introduce him or her to your pets and your children to make the transition easy and to insure that your home becomes a "forever" home like Lou's.

Betsy, quite some
time ago, with her
first shelter
kitty, Cricket

As always, thanks for assisting us in our mission to make sure no pets are euthanized for lack of a home.

Betsy Saul
Founder and President, Petfinder.com

Happy Tail

My husband and I knew from the moment we saw Elliemae on Petfinder.com that she would be a wonderful addition to our family. She was a special needs cat who had a wobble head due to brain damage at birth, but that didn't stop us from adopting her … and there is nothing she can't do. She is a perfectly normal kitten … her wobble is just ONE thing we love about her.

Lisa Colavecchia
Oakville, Ontario
Elliemae was adopted from Abandoned Cats Rescue.

To read more Petfinder.com happy tails, visit our sponsor BISSELL.

Adopt-a-Shelter-Cat Month

Having a hard time choosing between the 90,000+ cats for adoption on Petfinder? Are tabbies, torties and tuxedos all running together in your head? Check out the following helpful articles from the Petfinder library to help make your decision:

• Thinking of Adopting a Cat?
• A Cat is Waiting (Adopting The Right Cat For You)

Impress your new or existing feline friend with your cat-savvy skills by reading through the extensive Cat Behavior chapter on Petfinder. The information is sure to please both cats and people alike!

Cat-istics

One day recently Petfinder.com listed:

• 93,675 cats
• 8,000 black ones
• 7,400 black-and-white ones
• 77 named Pearl (June's birthstone)
• 69 named Garfield (June 19 is the birthday of the comic strip "Garfield.")
• 54 named Rose (June is National Rose Month in the U.S.)
• 8 named Pops, Daddy or Father (June 17 is Father's Day in the U.S.).

Does your cat have an unusual name? Tell us, and we'll let you know some of the results next month.

At PETCO Animals Always Come First

Through our Think Adoption First initiative, PETCO helps find homes for thousands of homeless pets every month. PETCO, the PETCO Foundation and Petfinder.com have teamed up with adoption agencies, rescue groups and humane societies across the country to create thousands of adoption opportunities.

Learn How Petco Helps Homeless Pets

Pets' Favorite Toys

Last month we asked you to tell us what your pet's favorite toy is. Here are your top responses:

1. Squeaky toys (especially until the squeaker is eviscerated)
2. Stuffed animals
3. Feathers (or anything) on a string or a wand (for cats)
4. Treat balls

Louie Hampton with his
favorite puppet

One writer had quite a surprise when she reached into her purse and found a faux fur mouse her cat had hidden there.

Ralphie, a cairn terrier, plays with a two-liter soda bottle that doubles as his pillow when he gets tired of playing.

Alice, a regular rock hound (although a cocker spaniel) "has numerous other toys," her "mom" writes, "but when we go for her daily walk, she runs and gets one of the many rocks she has in her toy box. She places it by the door for me and then runs and gets another one for herself."

Thanks so much for writing.

Wish we had room for all of your responses.

News from Merial

Just one flea on your pet could mean thousands more in your home.

Did you know that 95% of the total flea population can't be seen? That's because fleas are always in various stages of growth as eggs, larvae or pupae, which can exist in your carpet, couch, bedding and anywhere else your pet likes to roam. To protect your pet and home from infestation, ask for the Vet's #1 Choice for dogs and cats, FRONTLINE® Plus.

Just one dose kills fleas and ticks fast. But it doesn't stop there. FRONTLINE® Plus effectively breaks the flea life cycle by killing adult fleas, their eggs and larvae all month long. Plus, it's waterproof. That's why FRONTLINE® Plus is the brand vets and pets count on most.

Get a free dose of FRONTLINE®.

Hurricane Season Is Here

June is the start of hurricane season, a reminder that natural disasters can bring catastrophe for pets as well as people. The Petfinder.com Foundation is ready to help animal shelters and rescue groups in times of emergency, but we also want to encourage pet owners to be prepared in case a disaster hits their neighborhoods.

Here's what you can do:

• Have a plan for how to shelter, feed and care for your pets in case you are without power, water or housing for a long period of time.
• Make a contribution to the Petfinder.com Foundation disaster fund, so we can continue our disaster-relief grants.

In the past year, the Foundation has reached out to animal shelters hit by ice storms, windstorms, tornadoes and shelter fires

Thanks to our supporters, we have offered disaster fund grants and other types of assistance, if needed, such as emailing critical information or messages to the Petfinder.com community and beyond.

Friends of the Foundation

Donations to the Petfinder.com Foundation help provide grants and support to local animal shelters and rescue organizations. Your gifts, no matter what size, will make a difference to many pets in more than one community. Together, we can have a tremendous impact on increasing the number of homeless pets finding new homes.

Tail Wags

We would like to acknowledge the following companies and individuals for their generous contributions to the Petfinder.com Foundation:

• GreaterGood.org Foundation
• Frank Del Rio/Oceania Cruises
• The Extreme Canine's Show
• Maddie's Fund
• Merial®
• Nestlé Purina

Sponsor a Homeless Pet

We know you cannot adopt them all, but you can still help homeless animals through our Sponsor-a-Pet program.

Over 45 animal organizations are participating in this program, and each one gives you the opportunity to help their homeless pets.

Caring for homeless pets can be expensive if you take into account the housing, food, veterinary costs and staffing.

Sponsorships are easy, safe and appreciated! If the animal you select is no longer with the organization, the donation is directed to another pet in need.

Visit Sponsor-a-Pet today for more details.

Hero of the Year

Do you know an unsung hero who helps animals?

One grand prizewinner will win a trip for two to Hawaii, and a $10,000 donation will be made to the winner's favorite animal welfare organization. The deadline for entries is July 14.

Official Rules

Spread the Word

When wearing your heart on your sleeve simply won't do, wear your sentiments proudly across your chest! The message Adopt is front and center on our light natural-color cotton tee, with Reduce – Rescue – Rehabilitate – Rejoice beneath. The Petfinder.com logo and message of Adopt a homeless pet let you spread the word wherever you go.