When Tozlu entered Old City's Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society center, the long-haired, gray-and-white cat immediately dozed off in the arms of a volunteer. He purred in peace, belly and feet flopped toward the ceiling, warmed by the human body cradling him.
"He's all about the belly rubs," said PAWS adoption counselor Lauren Campagnini. "He knows what it's like out there on the streets, where it's cold and food is hard to come by."
Strays like Tozlu are abundant in the Philadelphia area. And as spring shifts into summer _ prime cat-mating season _ shelters are flooded with newborns. (Cats have a three-month gestation, so kitten season tapers off around October.)
"By July, we'll be swimming in kittens," said PAWS executive director Melissa Levy.
Before adopting, there are a few factors to consider, such as if a cat fits into your lifestyle, whether to get a kitten or an older cat, and how to welcome your new feline to the family.
