Jobs wanted—for cats
By Christine Foster

Easter has passed; the jacarandas are in bloom; and that means that heartbreakingly appealing but unwanted kittens will soon be appearing at the front door of the SPA. We have had a good adoption rate so far this year, finding homes for approximately 10 cats each month.

If that sort of success continues, we hope to place the majority of our cheeky little charges.

But every year a few good felines end up with us long past kittenhood. Not so good for them, but not so bad for the adoptive family. With older cats you certainly know what you’re getting. Cats not only have strikingly different personalities but different skills and benefits to offer. Some cats are shameless love pigs; others are more aloof and like to keep things on a professional basis with purring and the occasional cuddle thrown in as a perk. You probably have the perfect job situation for one or the other.

For example, Blinky was originally one of a litter of three (Winken, Blinken and Nod) who came to us two kitten seasons ago. Winky and Nod were chosen; Blinky was not. He was the runt of the litter and our cat volunteers babied him with chicken livers and high protein kitten food and he has thrived. He’s never going to be a big bruiser—this lad is definitely a lover, not a fighter. In fact, he’s the perfect housecat: patient, clever and playful, interested in the two-legged world and all that they get up to. He sees himself as working with people who need affection and a calming presence—light, fingertip massages are a specialty (to receive, not give, unfortunately, but both of you will benefit!). A light eater who cleans up after himself, he considers his eyes his best feature and would like to become a career companion. 

On the other end of the work spectrum, we have Calypso, a cat who would make a wonderful mouser, bodega bouncer, or barn and perimeter guard. She is a stunning, diluted calico who also came in two kitten seasons ago.

She is not a cuddler, preferring to stalk and pounce on any unsuspecting cat coming round the corner in the female cat colony. She is a business cat, a warrior who is friendly enough to be a member of the family, but will fill in as a property manager and might even figure out how to pay the bills while you’re away.

Either of these two glorious felines can improve your life and choosing them will completely transform theirs. They are also two of our very last ex-babies and it’s certainly their turn.

The Sociedad Protectora de Animales (SPA) is open from noon to 2pm, Monday–Friday for adoptions and volunteers. A donation of 300 pesos is requested for adoption, which includes sterilization. We are located at Los Pinos 7, a right turn off Calzada de la Estación. Visit www.spasanmiguel.org to learn more about SPA and about sponsoring or adopting an animal.