In March, charity organisation PETstock Assist hosted its annual NationalPet Adoption Month (NPAM) to help change the lives of rescue pets in need of apermanent or temporary home.

This year PETstock shone a light on the new challenges facing the pet adoptionindustry, where more than 36,000 cats and kittens remain homeless, closelyfollowed by large dogs and bonded pairs.

While placing weight on cat adoptions, PETstock helped a total of 711 catsfind their forever homes.

Together with local rescue groups, PETstock stores across Australia and NewZealand rehomed a total of 756 rescue animals throughout the month. Victorialed the way with a total of 215 pets adopted out, followed by Queensland at193 and South Australia at 110.

Over the past few years, the pet adoption landscape has experienced dramaticyet positive changes. Now, with thousands of Australians claiming the petparent title, the industry is facing new challenges, where thousands of catsand kittens remain homeless.

Every year 80,000 urban stray cats are killed by councils as a way of managingunowned animals. According to PetRescue, killing cats has the opposite effectas the remaining cats produce larger, healthier litters due to lesscompetition for food sources.

PetRescue Co-Founder, Vickie Davy, says that while they often take a back seatin adoptions compared to dogs, cats make fantastic pets, which is why,together with PETstock Assist, they’re on a mission to educate people on thebenefits of adopting or fostering a cat.

“PetRescue has more than 36,000 cats listed for adoption annually, and ofthose, 92 per cent will work well with families with dogs and 82 per cent ofcats can go to families with children under the age of five years old,” saysVickie.

“Most people start their search for a rescue pet with a particular type,breed, age, or size in their mind, and more often than not, they’re lookingfor a puppy. However, enquirers for cats have a much greater chance of asuccessful adoption – the adoption experience is faster and more positiveoverall.

“Every cat has a unique personality, and they love their humans just as muchas dogs do. Cat adopters are often surprised how quickly they form a specialbond – it’s almost as though they know you’ve saved their life.”

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