10 Kitty Cats That Need to be Saved Now

Sheila, a cute cat that needs a home

Are you thinking about buying a kitty cat to join your family? Before spending a fortune on an exotic breed, here is a way you can help save a San Angelo cat from certain death.

According to Jenie Wilson, Executive Director of the Tom Green County Humane Society, the government-run San Angelo Animal Shelter (the pound) executes over 9,000 animals—dogs, cats, farm animals, and wild feral animals—every year. It is Jenie’s and her staff’s job to try to save some of those animals by finding suitable adoptions into loving homes.

Last year, her organization rescued 160 dogs and cats. “The limiting factor, as to why we can’t save more, if that we don’t have enough volunteer foster homes,” Wilson says. Foster homes are used to house the rescued animal while the Humane Society finds each animal a permanent home.

Pets taken to the pound have 72 hours to be claimed. If no one claims them, the owner, or a small group of animal rescue organizations like Jenie’s, the animals are killed using an injection drug called Euthasol, or “The Pink Shot” containing Pentobarbital.

Stray animals are a concern in San Angelo. Kristin Hoffpauier, who serves as the Humane Society’s veterinarian technician, says that feral cats are almost overwhelming near residential neighborhoods. “A cat can have three litters per year. If you trace the lineage of a cat over six years, one pregnant cat will have over 44,000 offspring,” Kristin says.

Feral dogs are also a problem, but unlike cats, the dogs tend to keep their distance from human population centers.

Kristin’s job is to monitor the pound for adoptable pets. She will interact with animals slated for “The Pink Shot,” and if she thinks that the pet’s temperament is adequate for adoption, she’ll accept it into the Humane Society’s pet adoption program.

Dogs are kept at foster homes; most of the cats are on display at the Humane Society’s office at The Sunset Mall. All of the pets can be found on PetFinder.com.

The Tom Green County Humane Society operates on an $180,000 annual budget. The Sunset Mall subsidizes their lease, and the rest of the budget comes from donors and grants.

How can you help? Here are ten cats you can rescue right now. Or, you can volunteer to be a foster home. But if you can do neither, there is an online donation button on their Web site.

These Cats Need Homes Now

1. Lauren
Lauren is a beautiful diluted calico who was rescued from euthanasia at the local shelter. Lauren is a young adult cat at approximately 2 years old. She's friendly with other cats and would probably be accepting to a friendly dog. She's looking for a family that will allow her to be a princess. If your family wants an indoor cat who likes to play and cuddle, Lauren is your girl.

2. Harley
Harley is a 1 year old, male orange tabby, He’s been neutered and a very sweet boy.

3. Lucky
This little girl was scheduled to be destroyed at the city pound, but we thought she needed a second chance. This lucky little kitty is only about a year old. Her temperament is fantastic. She's happiest when she is near kind humans. She loves to be petted and brushed and she tells the world how happy she is to be alive by running her purr motor.

4. Cade
Cade is a a sweet orange tabby boy, has his purr motor running all the time. He would love a home with lots of love to give.

5. Ellen
This sweet girl is Ellen, she's 2 years old and weighs 8lbs. She is a beautiful solid black and just needs some tender loving care. Ellen is a little shy but so very sweet.

6. Oliver
Hi, I'm Oliver. I'm 2 years old and I weigh 12 weigh pounds. I'm a happy cat and get along well with other cats but, I like to curl up and be alone a lot of the time. I know there is a perfect pet parent out there for me.

7. Penelope
Penelope is a 1 1/2 year old orange tabby. She is a sweet girl and very vocal! she loves to talk.

8. Momma Kitty (or Momma Cat)
Mama Cat is a beautiful 1 1/2 year old calico, she's been spayed. Kinda shy at first but very lovable and oh so soft. Less is more with her personality. She would make the perfect companion!

9. Sheila
I am Sheila Cat, I have been waiting for a home for too long now. I'm soft and sweet and love to rub against whoever comes to visit me. I like to play with my toy mouse or just sit and cuddle. I love attention. Please give me a chance and let me finally come home.

10. Snowball
I'm Snowball and I'm calm, cool and collected. I've been spayed too. I will love you forever if you pick me.