March Cat of the Month: Gunner!

Ring in St. Patrick's Day with a new friend who's WAY cuter than a leprechaun (sorry, leprechauns)!

Gunner will be cat of the month for two more weeks. That's two weeks left to adopt him with a reduced fee. He's a sweetie who could really use a little TLC in the right forever home. Check him out -- maybe he'll be your lucky charm!

Connex (and You) Can Help Cats in Need!

The jar by the door; the junk drawer; your coat pocket; between the sofa cushions -- they're all places coins like to hide. When it's time to exchange your surplus coins, BCC hopes you'll do it at Connex's Guilford Branch. . .

Murphy

Today, we'd like to focus some attention on a full-grown guy who's been with us for awhile, and is hoping to find his forever home ASAP!

Murphy

Murphy is a very regal and distinguished gentleman with dramatic gold and black stripes and white markings. He's strikingly handsome, but aloof with people he doesn't know well. Such an independent character doesn't give his heart away to just anyone; once he gets to know you, however, he'll play, permit an ear rub (loves that!), and come when you call his name. Murphy isn't comfortable with being picked up, but petting from members of his inner circle is just fine, as well as a game chasing laser lights or anything with feathers or string. Murphy also loves simply lying in a sunny window and watching the world go by. After a vigorous play session, he'll find a secret place for a cozy nap. 

A family with kids isn't for Murphy, but in his foster home, he learned to get along with other cats, and even dogs. Someone who recognizes a diamond in the rough and has the patience to help it shine would be a great match for Murphy, but it's also important to realize that he may be as close to a “finished product” as he's going to get. 

The ideal human for Murphy would be one who enjoys witnessing a cat just being a cat -- playing, purring, chilling -- but isn't looking for an extreme cuddler. If the idea of sharing your home with a gorgeous guy who'll give you your space, yet still let you know he's there sounds about right, come on in and meet Murphy!

February's Cat of the Month: Sassy!

Let's show show Sassy some Valentine's love this month by finding her a forever home!!

Carols and Cats. . .Tonight!

Come to the United Methodist Church TONIGHT and get your yule on for a good cause: Join BCC for Carols and Cats!

. . . and don't forget that BCC is commemorating World AIDS Day all December long by waiving adoption fees on all of our FIV-positive kitties. Learn more about FIV and our cats at our website. Hope to see you tonight at Carols and Cats!

Fill the Forester for Ferals this Saturday!

Come on over and help us Fill the Forester for Ferals at Premier Subaru this Saturday, December, 7! The Greater New Haven Cat Project and BCC are partnering for this ASPCA-sponsored event, which aims to raise food and funds for feral cats in our area, as well as draw local and statewide attention to the plight of homeless cats. Learn more about GNHCP and BCC's feral cat support programs and meet Donna Velardi, Certified Animal Massage Therapist and Animal Communicator, who will be giving 5-minute readings during the event. With your help and support, it will be a great day for cats in need!

Tips for a Purrfect Thanksgiving

Alice says "Happy Thanksgiving!"

With just a couple of weeks until Thanksgiving, we've been thinking about the many things for which we're grateful. On behalf of all of BCC's cats -- from our feral colonies to our foster kitties to the residents at our Feline Rescue and Adoption Center -- we'd like to thank friends old and new for donations of time, money, publicity, supplies, and all manner of other support. As for the wonderful people who've made room in their lives for one or more of our shelter cats, we'd bet they're expressing their gratitude every day!

As you get ready to share the day with friends and family, here are 5 tips to make Thanksgiving (or any holiday) equally wonderful for your cat.

1. Be mindful of where cats go once company arrives. Some would rather retreat than meet guests, while others might look for any opportunity to slip outside as guests come in. Make sure that indoor cats are in a safe spot during the festivities. If you have a cat who really hates company, set up a “safe room” where she can chill out (be sure to provide food, water, and litter).
   
   
2. Cats plus candles can spell disaster, so if you have a curious feline around the house, you may have more to worry about than simply keeping Kitty out of the entrees. Consider replacing your tabletop candles with LED candles for danger-free ambiance.
   
   
3. Did you know that onions are highly toxic to cats? For this reason, onion-laced gravies and side dishes should not be part of your furry friend's Thanksgiving meal. That doesn't mean he can't enjoy a bit of turkey -- just make sure it's plain. Sneak him a few cooked, chopped giblets, and he'll be in heaven!
   
   
4. Serve your cat before you serve your guests. This way, she can enjoy her meal in peace and have a post-turkey snooze while the "official" dinner is being served.
   
   
5. Give Kitty some quality time before and during the festivities. 15 minutes of playing and petting an hour or so before the guests arrive will be therapeutic for both of you. If he's in a safe room or not hiding under the bed, give him a little attention later on, too. Of course, you'll probably collapse together after everyone's gone, but those little extra visits beforehand will remind your pet that you're thankful for him, too!
   
   
   Stay tuned for updates on BCC's upcoming events as well as profiles of our Featured Cats :)