Paw Prints cat sanctuary promotes feline health

Photo: Provided by Dr. Julie D'Angelo

LAFAYETTE, Ind. — There are a lot of cats in Tippecanoe County looking for permanent homes, veterinarian Dr. Julie D'Angelo said.

D'Angelo works at Lafayette's Paw Print Animal Hospital Inc. The hospital hosts cats from Loving Heart Animal Shelter that are up for adoption. Until recently those cats resided in the lobby, usually in crates. D'Angelo said she found that the animals weren't getting the socialization or exercise they needed, however, and so she, along with the office manager and clinic handyman, devised a solution.

Now, the clinic boasts a new room with ramps, stairs and toys for cats in addition to a large cat tree and a real tree for the cats to navigate. The cats up for adoption spend their days in there, unconfined and in fellowship with their fellow felines.

"The biggest benefit is having them be social with the other cats around as well as putting them in a space with the windows and see people and cars where they can climb," D'Angelo said. "When you’re living in a cage you’re doing zero climbing, which is a natural inclination for a cat."

Read more: www.jconline.com/story/money/business/2016/12/30/paw-prints-cat-sanctuary-promotes-feline-health/96002456/