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Cats, like humans have very strong and distinctive characteristics, writes GDN Media’s Hanna Lana. She visited the Bahrain Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BSPCA) animal welfare centre with intern Abdulaziz Alshawoosh to help celebrate Global Cat Day and to check out all the unique and quirky cat characters living at the shelter.
Melvin with Hanna
Global Cat Day, an annual celebration, helps raise awareness of cats and kittens that are still looking for their forever homes.
We were greeted at the grand gates of the BSPCA animal welfare centre in Askar by the barking of dogs and meowing of cats … each animal kept safe from harm, yet desperate to find a loving forever home.
Lucho
There was a dedicated indoor area for cats with around 50 compartments each housing an adorable feline eager to receive some affection and attention.
There are a variety of different breeds, sizes and colours, which, of course, accompanied a mix of personalities: ranging from the bold, majestic and dominant cats to the more playful, spontaneous and energetic ones, as well as the classic laid-back grumpy Garfields.
Kimmy
We got a chance to meet four exceptional fur babies, each with very distinctive traits.
First up was Kimmy, certainly the life of the party. In comparison to his classic Persian looks, this guy was full of energy and down for any plan, or rather play! If you’re an extrovert, Kimmy would definitely make a great bestie.
Bonkers
Our second cat was a lovely laid-back homebody. The green-eyed, black-and-white coated kitty called Lucho, preferred life in the slow-lane. A perfect companion for those who just want a snuggle buddy!
Third up was Melvin, a quiet and careful cat that literally had the looks and personality of Garfield himself.
Jim Davis, the creator of Garfield, has said that his fictional movie star comic character was based on the 25 farmyard cats he grew up around and he took his name and personality from his grandfather. He is noted for his love of lasagna and pizza, coffee and sleeping, and his hatred of Mondays, Nermal, the vet, and exercise.
Ellen
In fact, Melvin loved to laze around so much that once we started petting him, he literally purred off to sleep!
Lastly, we got to meet the mischievous and impulsive Santiago! Although a heavy-built cat, it did not stop him from racing around, snatching treats, grabbing toys and just bouncing around the place. If you’re a spontaneous soul that loves show-stopping action and challenges, then Santiago will definitely match your vibe.
Justine
Experts say all cats can be distinguished by five primary personality traits, that are known as the ‘feline five’. They are categorised by neuroticism, extraversion, dominance, impulsiveness and tolerance, and differ according to each cat’s degree of expression.
Neuroticism resembles the cats that seem shy, insecure and anxious or suspicious. Extraversion on the other hand reflects to the curious cats that are mostly vigilant and super active.
Dominance designates the cats that are quite aggressive and often end up bullying the other cats around them, whereas impulsiveness refers to the cats that are downright ‘crazy’ or reckless, and often very impulsive.
Tolerance, also known as ‘agreeableness’ reflects to the gentle and affectionate cats that are typically always friendly to people.
Monty
The BSPCA not only houses a variety of adorable cats but dogs, ducks, chickens, a range of birds and even tortoises and terrapins are also part of the ‘temporary family’ looking for forever homes.
Mahmood Faraj, the BSPCA’s chairman added: “We also assist rescuing and rehabilitating many different types of wild animals such as endangered sea turtles before returning them back to their natural habitat.
“We are also regularly involved with assisting the authorities when requested to help other animals such as horses, donkeys and goats, as well as other farm animals.’’
Santiago
Additionally, the charity has not only helped rescue thousands of animals over the years, but also assists in the challenge of combating animal abuse by endorsing solutions, publicising cases and pushing for changes.
The BSPCA has been a ‘registered charity of more than 40 years, providing a variety of services to the community of Bahrain. These include governmental consultation, spay and neuter programmes, educational programmes for children as well as providing food, shelter, medical care and adoption services to animals in need.’
Intern Abdulaziz with Justine
Currently, the shelter is full of cats and in desperate need of willing individuals and families able to adopt them. In the month of September, for example, only one cat was offered a forever home.
Most of the cats that the centre receives are from so called pet lovers who can no longer look after them or want to get rid of their cat.
When it comes to street cats the BSPCA covers the cost of neutering them and last month alone helped 21 of them.
All of the animals at the shelter are fully vaccinated, tick treated and wormed before being put up for adoption.
Once they are six months old, they are neutered in a bid to help reduce the stray cat issue. All the charity’s animals are socialised with other rescues, either inside their pens or in an outside play area, as well as being played with by staff members and volunteers.’
The majority of the breeds found at the shelter are fluffy, mostly Persian and Himalayan breed, as well as the Bahrain Dilmun cats known for their large ears.
“All animals can be beneficial to people, especially families with young children,” added Mr Faraj. “There have been many studies highlighting the benefits on the mental and physical health of households with pets.
“It’s very important for people to do their own research too before looking at adopting an animal to understand the benefits that a pet can bring to the household, as well the long-term commitment required in having an animal as part of their family.’’
The adoption process is very simple, and ‘the more that go to a new home, the more we can help others’, he said.
All of the cats featured in this article are up for adoption, along with many others, each hoping to find their fur-ever friendly home!
Of course, for those that are unable to adopt, the centre gladly accepts volunteers who are interested in playing with the cats or taking the rescue dogs out for walks. Donations of animal food and products are also much appreciated.
hanna@gdnmedia.bh
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