Foster cat owners in Nanaimo hope people will find it in their hearts to adopt a feline this weekend.
CatNap, a society which aims to find homes for abandoned cats, and two local Bosley’s by Pet Valu stores will hold an Adoption Weekend event Oct. 23-24. People will have the opportunity to meet the cats and talk with volunteers. Among the animals seeking a forever home is Festival, a black and white cat that was rescued in June from a colony of 55 homeless cats.
Festival had surgery to amputate a leg, as its right hip kept dislocating due to an injury, and while it took time to warm to its foster parents Adam Long and Brittnee Aeberhardt, they say the cat has since become more festive.
Long said adopting a cat can be rewarding, especially for people who have been home-bound due to COVID-19. Festival follows Aeberhardt around the house and chirps at her, wanting loving and attention all the time.
“He definitely prefers her, but he’s quite affectionate with me as well,” said Long. “When I’m around he definitely does the same for me. He’ll follow me around and be at my feet. He hops up and loves to nuzzle his face against yours.”
However, people looking to adopt a cat need to have patience, Long advises.
“People think very short-term, so if it’s not working out in the first few weeks, you need to give it more time,” said Long. “It’s kind of like any addition to your family, whether it’s an animal or child, it does take quite a bit of adjusting for the household … I think people just need to be patient and kind. The love will come in time.”
Long also said he and his wife, both members of CatNap society, will be available to offer advice for adopters.
“If there’s ever anything that comes up, it just doesn’t end with adoption,” said Long. “We’re always there to support them and help them with that.”
It will be hard seeing Festival leave, Aeberhardt said.
“Some of them tug at the heartstrings a little bit more than the rest and in Festival’s case, that’s him, but of course, ‘goodbye’ is the goal,” she said.
The Adoption Weekend event takes place this Saturday and Sunday at the Bosley’s stores on Fifth Street and Bowen Road.
For more information on CatNap, visit www.catnapsociety.com.
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