Save the Date: World Cat Month - October
"There are two refuges from the miseries of life: music and cats."
— Albert Schweitzer
October isn't just about crisp autumn air and pumpkin spice—it's World Cat Month, a time to celebrate the quiet, profound ways feline companions shape our days. Looking back, it’s hard to imagine my life without a cat nearby. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of sharing my home with twelve incredible cats, each leaving their own distinct mark on my heart.
It all started at a local supermarket, where a family was giving away a litter of kittens. My father said I could choose one, and my eyes immediately went to a little black kitten. As soon as I picked him up, he gave me a sharp little scratch. Right then and there, I was hooked—he was coming home with me. We named him Spooky I, the very first chapter in a lifelong love story.
Spooky I was eventually followed by Spooky II, keeping the tradition alive. Then came Morris, with his quiet presence, and the sweet, graceful Mei-Ling. Each one brought a different energy into the house, but Simba held a particularly special place in my journey. Twenty years ago, Simba became my unexpected spiritual teacher, showing me how to sit still, breathe, and simply be. Long before I officially learned to meditate, Simba taught me the art of presence.
Today, my home is filled with that same quiet warmth thanks to the three wonderful cats I live with now. Twelve cats later, the scratch from that first black kitten at the supermarket feels like a badge of honor—the start of a lifetime spent learning, growing, and sharing space with these extraordinary creatures.
Resources for Cat Lovers
Wild Tunes – A nonprofit organization that brings live music to animal shelters to help cats and dogs feel relaxed and reduce their stress.
Alley Cat Allies – Excellent guides on cat care, behavior, and community cat advocacy.
The Humane Society of the United States – Resources for adopting, caring for pets, and supporting animal welfare.
Cat Friendly Homes – Powered by the American Association of Feline Practitioners, offering expert advice on feline health and environmental enrichment.
You can check out Meet the Texas boy playing music for shelter animals to see how the Wild Tunes program was founded and how live music helps calm shelter pets.
Nationwide Shelter Search Tools
Petfinder Shelter Finder – Search by postal code or city/state to find animal shelters and rescue groups nearby.
Shelter Animals Count Directory – A comprehensive national database of animal welfare organizations.
ASPCA Local Shelter Directory – Find ASPCA-affiliated shelters and local animal control agencies across the U.S.
