Pyrite, Cobalt and Mercury — while these usually refer to colorful minerals, here they are the names of three popular kittens at this year’s “Caturday” event, hosted by the Heartland Humane Society at the Corvallis Community Center this past Saturday.
Along with the opportunity to spend time with some of the cutest cats and kittens supplied by Heartland’s shelter, this event offered cat-themed bingo, cat-related coloring sheets, a make-your-own cat toy station and a cafe.
The Corvallis Community Center also took measures to increase the accessibility of this event. As Zach Johnson, the recreation coordinator, explained, they had provided a relaxing room for members of the community who were feeling over-stimulated. Additionally, as Johnson pointed out, the cafe provided job training for people with developmental disabilities.
Emily James, a Heartland employee, explained that Heartland Humane takes in stray and surrendered animals. They also focus on reuniting lost pets with their families. For lost dogs, they have a 75% return rate.
The kittens Pyrite, Cobalt and Mercury, all siblings, were a very popular attraction. Grace Johnson, a foster for Heartland Humane, said she fostered them herself.
In addition to the siblings, Heartland brought Orca and Squirrel, two more very popular kittens, who also got to meet the Corvallis community. Squirrel, a two-month-old tiny gray kitten and little escape artist, even tried to run away!
These five kittens were also joined by their older cat friend, four-year-old Namu. Namu was quiet and more reserved. She suffers from asthma and even has her own inhaler.
Each set of cats had their own pen, featuring a little hut so they could get some rest. Heartland also had a table offering pamphlets with adoption information and cat-related picture books like “Elephant Cat” by Nicola Bayley.
Once you were done visiting the kittens, you could head over to the other room and participate in the bingo and crafts.
At one table, you had the opportunity to make and take home your own personalized cat toy. With the help of an instruction manual or YouTube video and Dave, the volunteer running the cat toy table, you could make a “pom-pom.”
If correctly crafted, you walked out with a fuzzy ball with a bell attached. As Dave pointed out, you could attach it to the bottom of a Christmas tree for your cats at home to play with.
For those looking to adopt any of the cats in this article, or to see more information about Heartland Humane, you can visit their website.
