Thinking about adding a feline friend to your family? June is the perfect time—it's National Adopt a Cat Month! Shelters are full of wonderful cats and kittens, (and of course other fur-kiddos) waiting for loving homes, plus in conjunction with ASTRO, we have an adoption program for FREE merchandise when you adopt!

Adopting a pet brings you emotional, mental, and physical health benefits—offering companionship, reducing stress, encouraging routine, and even helping you connect with others.

Reducing stray animals not only secures a healthier environment for the pet, it helps the financial burden on society through the costs of animal control, sheltering, and public health services. Municipalities often spend significant funds managing strays, addressing injuries, disease transmission, and property damage they may cause.

Adopting not only gives pets a second chance at life, but it also helps reduce the demand bred through commercial operations, which can sometimes have negative impacts on animal welfare. Whether adopting or purchasing, it is always smart to research the facility beforehand.

Typically, adopted pets are already spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and ready to bond—making the process easier and more affordable for you.

Before bringing your new kitty companion home, make sure you’re stocked with essentials like:

  • high-quality food

  • litter box

  • toys

  • scratching posts

  • a quiet space for them to settle in

Research and choose a veterinarian in advance and confirm they’re accepting new patients to stay proactive about your cat’s health.

Prepare financially; owning a pet involves ongoing expenses such as food, grooming, boarding and veterinary visits, which can add up over time. It's also wise to consider pet insurance to help manage unexpected medical costs and provide financial peace of mind.

Expect some adjustment. Cats thrive on routine and predictability. Be patient as your cat learns their new environment, and let us help you with natural calming products like Silvervine or CBD to ease the transition for those having a hard time getting comfortable in their new home. Enjoy this time together getting to know each other!

Go slow and steady. Keep your new cat in a separate room at first, allowing time for scent swapping and gradual introductions. Short, supervised visits paired with treats and positive reinforcement can help foster peaceful relationships with existing pets.

To cat-proof your home, remove toxic plants, secure cords, lock up cleaners and chemicals, and ensure windows and screens are secure. Keep small items, (that could be choking hazards), hot surfaces, open flames, and tight spaces off-limits. Microchipping and ID tags are also smart steps—even for indoor cats.

Whether you’re adopting your first cat or adding another to your family, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Stop by for expert advice and natural food tailored to your new companion, and don’t forget to ask about signing up for your FREE products always available through ASTRO’s Adoption Program! More details below…

June 22 is the class date for HARMONY, PA.

August 10 is the class date for MISSOULA, MT.

In next month’s newsletter we’ll be sharing what we learned from Drs. Karen and Steve Marsden!

As always, we THANK YOU for being loyal customers and awesome pet parents!

New pet parent or seasoned fur-daddy, we (as well as Bruce here) would like to wish you all a Happy Father’s Day!