Petco stores across CT can now house adoptable cats overnight, creating better opportunities for more adoptions. Petco and its Petco Foundation have long been supporters of local animal rescue/adoption efforts, with regularly scheduled adoption events held at Petco retail stores on behalf of many local rescue groups. The new policy change recently enacted by the state will provide cats with constant opportunity to be “seen” and potentially adopted faster.

The Petco located at Westport Ave in Norwalk houses up to four adoptable cats at a time from Community Cats, with each cat remaining at the store for up to two weeks at a time, cared for by volunteers. A new Petco on Main Ave, also in Norwalk, will host cats from Nutmeg Spay/Neuter Clinic’s cat adoption program. Nutmeg Spay/Neuter Clinic and Community Cats have previously collaborated on many projects. Ermelinda Harper, President and Co-founder of Community Cats in Norwalk, says the goal of the increased exposure is for more cats to be adopted faster and to reduce stress on the animals from being brought back-and-forth for same-day adoption events.

“We can understand where it may be upsetting to see cats in cages,” Harper says. “But from our perspective, the cats in these cages are the lucky ones: these are the cats who someone noticed, who were rescued, and who we are helping on their way to finding forever homes. We have an excellent and productive relationship with Petco, and we are both excited about and grateful for this wonderful opportunity.”

For more information, contact Community Cats at CommunitycatsCT.org or Nutmeg Spay/Neuter Clinic at 203-690-1550 or NutmegClinic.org. See ad, page 37.