All you need is love...

Sounds too simple to be true, right? Well it is, somewhat. I mean, obviously cats need shelter and food and clean water as well. But while they get all of that at the shelter (and as much love as we can give them), the difference a home makes is amazing.

As I've mentioned before, cats in shelters are under constant stress. This can lead to behavioral issues as well as health problems (respiratory infections spread like wildfire!). Shelter staff and volunteers can only do so much; cats just aren't made to live in kennels.

The image above is from a post titled "29 Before And After Photos Show What Love Does To Cats" and the differences in these animals is striking. Truly, love can transform a cranky, sick shelter cat into a happy, healthy companion.

One-eyed, orange-furred meowing little people eater

There's definitely a loss of trust when an animal you care for uses its teeth against you.

In all of the years since we rescued him from the street, Mike Wazowski had never done this. No matter what I put him through - baths, teeth brushings, ear washes, eye drops, washing litter (and worse) from his paws, butt wipings, giving pills, giving injections - he has never intentionally bit me.

But there I was at 3:00 this morning with his teeth on my arm.

I woke up just before it happened, so all I saw was his head going back and snapping forward. And then he just sat there, not biting down or letting go. Just holding his teeth on either side of my bicep.

It wasn't a real bite - he didn't get through my t-shirt, let alone break the skin - but it was unsettling because it was completely out of character.

Cali the Easter Kitty

No candy at our house today. The kid will eat a bit and then it will sit around for months, so we like to explore non-food alternatives for the Easter basket.

Yes, yes. I *am* the limerick master. How kind of you to notice. (What? you've never heard of an Easter limerick before?)

Cali has declared herself the official assistant to the Easter Bunny. She's aiming for a promotion by showing off her superior egg-hiding skills. Often Mr. Bunny himself can't find them when she's through.

Though she did have an unfortunate run-in with the Easter basket, so it may be a while before she goes egg hunting again.

This Face

Just look at it!

Can't you just see yourself snuggling up to this guy? Dr. Cumulonimbus here is quite the cuddler, too. His purr motor starts up as soon as he sees you and it only gets louder when you pick him up. 

April Shelter Cat of the Month

K&B's very first shelter cat of the month is PeeWee!

UPDATE: PEEWEE HAS BEEN ADOPTED!

PeeWee is a handsome 11-year-old orange tabby with a motor that doesn't quit. Listen to that purrbox go!

He is a relaxed cat who gets along with kids and other cats and is looking for a loving home in which to spend his retirement.

PeeWee can be found at Great Plains SPCA in Independence, Missouri. He enjoys being held and cuddled, but he especially loves sitting on your lap and purring away while you rub his ears. 

Adopting a senior cat can be very rewarding and it makes you an extra super hero in my eyes. Come by the shelter and visit this guy - you won't regret it!