Siamese and Special Needs Cats

We've been talking about adopting cats and the decisions you need to make in order to provide a smooth transition for you and for the cat. A Labrador or a Rottweiler can be an equally wonderful pet, providing the dog's needs and temperament mesh with the owner's. If not … look out. The same holds true regarding cats, and "breed specific" rescue groups are now a major trend in feline as well as canine rescue.

Today, let's take a look at the Siamese breed. The reason I chose this breed is because they are one of the first adopted, but also the first to be brought back! Why is this? That's because these pretty faces are typically "in your face".

I can relate to this since my Sammy has many Siamese qualities. His body build, the shape of his head, and his incessant talking are all Siamese traits. Siamese are high maintenance in behavior because they get involved in everything you do! However, they are low maintenance as far as grooming due to their short, sleek hair.

Siamese have been one of the most popular cat breeds in America ever since they got a lot of publicity, good and bad, with leading roles in two hit 1950s movies, "Lady and the Tramp" and "Bell, Book and Candle." The breed originated in Thailand (formerly Siam).

The Siamese Cat Rescue Center has just one shelter facility, in Locust Dale, Va. But it has some 400 volunteers throughout the Eastern U.S., from New Hampshire to Florida and as far west as Indiana and Tennessee. At last count, SCRC has rescued a total of 9,303 Siamese cats since its 1998 inception. Along with four affiliate Siamese rescue organizations, one each in Texas and Colorado and two in California, the rescue total is 21,189. None of this would be possible without the Internet. Click on Siamese Rescue to connect with volunteers and resources across the U.S., or to peruse a parade of photos of cats and kittens available for adoption and appreciate all the variations within the breed: Seals, Blues, Lynx torties, Lilacs, Chocolates, and Snowshoes.

Here are stories about two special rescue cats that will warm your heart. The first is about Blaze, a rescue who lost his eyes at a very young age. Even though he has special needs, his "mommy" gave him a forever home.

Blazing Blind Trails

The second story is about Pippa, a rescue cat, who appears to have the special ability to detect when her eight-year-old owner is about to suffer a hypoglycemic episode due to her diabetes.

Rescue Cat Makes Sure Diabetic Owner is Feline Fine 

We're talking about adopting cats, but these following thoughts apply to any pet! Be responsible, please.

Marion Lovato is the author of Sam, the Superkitty.  Her book describes an ordinary cat changing into a superhero to protect his family from things that go bump in the night.  Available on Amazon as a paperback or Kindle edition.  http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1604588667