Adopt a Queen at the SPCA!
Perhaps not what you are thinking! Most everyone knows that a bred female dog is referred to as a “bitch,” but what you may not know is that a bred female cat is referred to as a “queen.” Not a believer? Try Googling. You might be surprised which “queen” gets top billing!
Each April through November, (kitten season), hundreds of unwanted kittens are brought to the doors of the Delaware SPCA for relinquishment; many with their queen mums in tow. Fortunately the Delaware SPCA has programs in place to help these beautiful creatures. Each week during kitten season approximately thirty kittens are painstakingly transported to neighboring states with a lesser supply and a higher demand for adoptable kittens. Complete details on this program will be the subject of a future column. Of equal importance is that the Delaware SPCA has several veterinarians on staff, and most are trained in pediatric spay and neuter. All animals adopted out through the Delaware SPCA are thoroughly vetted, including sterilization. The highest demand for kittens is between eight and twelve weeks of age, and during kitten season you will always find a wonderful selection at the Delaware SPCA.
However, the emphasis of this column is the queens. While many seem to be in the market for adorable kittens, few will ever consider these mother cats. Having given four months of their lives between carrying and weaning their litters, the queens often lag behind in the adoption room for months. They watch as their kittens go off to loving homes wondering when it will be their turn. Although all animals in the possession of the Delaware SPCA get wonderful care from staff and volunteers alike, it is still a shelter, not a home. All cats long for a forever home with a cozy sofa, a sunny window sill and of course a family to love.
If you are looking to expand your family, check out the Delaware SPCA. Maybe you will even take home a queen!
Delaware SPCA (delspca.org) is located at 22918 Dupont Blvd, Georgetown, DE 19947.