pretty dark-gray cat lies on red-and-brown patterend blanket
Star is 3 years old and is more than ready to shine brightly in a caring home.

Every animal who winds up in public shelters came in because of an unfortunate situation ranging from surrender by an owner who no longer could or would care for them to horrible abuse that caused death or permanent damage.

At shelters like Long Beach Animal Care Services, which has compassionate, loving humans working or volunteering for the animals, every pet will also find one or more champions.

“This work draws people like that,” shelter director Staycee Dains said.

Dains said that identifying with animals in danger is essential to shelter and rescue workers. Animals who suffer in hoarding situations, which involve more pets staying in one location than a person can reasonably care for, are examples of extreme neglect. Recently, during an ongoing investigation, LBACS took in about 15 cats from a hoarding situation in an apartment. Thanks to the shelter’s volunteers, they’re slowly emerging from their self-imposed cocoons—one even went home with an adopter last weekend. The others are fearful to differing degrees, giving humans the who-the-heck-are-you-and-what-is-this-place look. Cat übervolunteer Janet McWhorter described it as “deer-in-the-headlights eyes.”

Animal hoarding, says the ASPCA, “is a complex issue that encompasses mental health, animal welfare and public safety concerns.” It’s a tragic situation not only for the animals but also the humans who are hoarding them. They usually feel that they’re doing good for the animals and that they’re the only ones who can. It can be difficult, but compassion for the humans as well as for the animals is necessary for understanding animal hoarding.

If you suspect someone of hoarding pets, please contact your local shelter. LBACS’ contact information is [email protected]. Watch for a more detailed description of animal hoarding in a future article.

Virtually pets

Domestic animals not used to care and attention can take a long time to thaw out, as Janet put it, and she and the other volunteers are long on patience and warmth for the shelter’s cats, dogs and rabbits. A few of the hoarded cats have come far enough along to go home. Here are four of them. To make an appointment to meet them, email [email protected].

pretty dark-gray cat lies on red-and-brown patterend blanket
Star (ID#A670359) is 3 years old and is more than ready to shine brightly in a caring home.
Small black cat looks fearfully out kennel window, a pink blanket nearby.
Once he unwraps himself, 1-year-old Hershey (ID#A670905) will be ready with those kisses!
Dark gray cat stares behind him near a hole in the kennel wall.
Graham (ID#A670357) would like his own spread, preferably your bedspread, but his own bed would be ideal, too.
black cat lies on purple patterned blanket and looks fearfully out kennel window.
Candy (ID#A670909) will be sweet as sugar as soon as she finds a stable home. She’s 1 year old.
Furballs of fun
Courtesy photo

Sound Healing with Cats: 5:30–7 p.m., Friday, March 11, Feline Good Social Club, 301 Atlantic Ave., Long Beach, $30

Long Beach’s only kitty club is again prepping to get your entire being purring! Club partner Illuminate Life will use Tibetan bowls and other sound-making instruments to relax you as completely as a cat is. The lounge cats will provide invaluable assistance. and our fabulous Lounge kitties are sure to make your Friday night perfect. Grab your tickets here!

Seal Beach Animal Care Center Kitten Shower and Bake Sale: 11 a.m.–4 p.m., Saturday, March 12, Seal Beach Animal Care Center, 1700 Adolfo Lopez Drive, donations gladly accepted

Spring season brings showers, or it used to. Kitten season brings—that’s right! Kitten showers. Seal Beach Animal Care Center will present a kitten shower and bake sale to support their kitten-foster program that helps all the kittens born during the next few months. Enjoy handmade crafts, cat and dog merch, and freshly baked goodies to lick your whiskers over. Because of COVID-19 restrictions, there will be no tours of the grounds, but know that every cent you donate will go to snuggly kitten well-being. More information and the program’s wish list available here.

 Helping paws
Courtesy photo

Spay/neuter appointments available at SNP/LA: 6:30 a.m. –4 p.m., 957 N. Gaffey St., San Pedro, check website for hours and information on making an appointment.

In need of low-cost vaccinations for your pets? SNP/LA has extended its hours! Walk-ins are available.

SNP/LA offers low-cost cat and dog vaccinations, deworming, microchips, nail trims, and flea and tick treatments. (Pet vaccines and basic wellness services only. No spay and neuter services available at our mobile clinics.)

  • To reduce the amount of people in line, up to two people only allowed per group.
  • All cats must be in carriers.
  • All medium/large dogs must be on a leash (small dogs can be carried).
  • Please bring all past pet vaccine records.

Please DM us for pricing.

Access this link for more information.

Foster for awhile—or furever!

If you’ve always wanted a pet but aren’t sure if you’re ready for a lifetime (the animal’s) commitment, or if you’re past the pet-roommate days for any reason, fostering might be a great way to go, especially with one or more of the kittens popping up during kitten season. Every one of the organizations listed below is in desperate need of fosters who’ll social them and help save their little lives. Who knows—maybe one of those lives will change your mind about the not-ready-for-roommate thing!

These nonprofits also regularly feature cat, dog and rabbit adoptions. As of now, adoptions are mainly by appointment. Click on the links for each rescue in case of updates or changes. These organizations operate through donations and grants, and anything you can give would be welcome. Please suggest any Long Beach-area rescues to add to the list.