The Cat Chronicle – July 2026

Jul 8, 2026 | The Cat Chronicle

Back by Popular Demand – Cats of the Month: Avocato & Jazz

Still waiting for their forever homes!

You have seen Avocato and Jazz featured as our Cats of the Month before, and we’re bringing them back because they’re still waiting for their forever homes.

Avocato is our charming boy with undeniable leading-man energy. He’s been patiently waiting for someone to recognize just how special he is. If you’ve been considering adoption, we’d love for you to meet him again!

Jazz is our fabulous showgirl who truly deserves her happily-ever-after. We wanted to give you an important heads-up. This is your last chance to adopt Jazz before she transitions into our foster care program. If Jazz has captured your heart, now is the time to make it happen.

Both of these incredible cats have waited long enough for their perfect matches. We hope you’ll consider opening your home to one of them.

If you’d like to learn more about Avocato or Jazz, visit our adoption page or stop by SAFE Haven for Cats.

Holiday Hours: July 4th Weekend

As we head into the Fourth of July weekend, we wanted to let you know about our holiday schedule so you can plan accordingly.

Clinic Closure: The clinic is closed today, Thursday, July 2nd.

Adoption Hours: We’re open for adoptions on Friday, July 3rd, during regular business hours. However, we’ll be closed for adoptions on Saturday, July 4th, so our team can celebrate the holiday with family and friends. We’ll resume normal operations on Sunday, July 5th.

As you celebrate with fireworks and festivities this weekend, please remember to keep your feline friends safe and calm. The loud noises from fireworks can be frightening and stressful for cats. We recommend creating a quiet, safe space indoors where your cat can retreat if needed.

For more tips on how to keep your cat calm and stress-free during fireworks, check out these helpful tips.

We hope you have a wonderful and safe Fourth of July!

Clinic Update: New Deposit Policy Effective July 1

Due to high demand for spay and neuter appointments, SAFE Haven for Cats now requires a $25 deposit per cat to reserve your appointment slot. This helps us ensure that as many cats as possible receive the care they need.

Your deposit is not an additional fee. It will be applied directly toward your cat’s surgery cost, with the remaining balance due on the morning of your appointment.

If you need to cancel or reschedule, please provide at least three (3) business days’ notice so we can offer your spot to another family. Cancellations with fewer than three business days’ notice, or missed appointments, will forfeit the deposit.

For more details on our updated policy and to book your appointment, visit our website today.

Thank you for your patience, as we work to serve more cats in our community!

Keeping Your Cat Cool During the Summer Heat

As summer temperatures rise, it’s important to remember that cats are more sensitive to heat than we are. They need extra care and attention to stay cool and comfortable during the hottest months.

Simple Ways to Help Your Cat Beat the Heat:

Make fresh, cool water available at all times and change it frequently throughout the day.
Brushing your cat removes excess fur, helping them regulate their temperature
Create cool spots around your home where your cat can escape the heat, such as shaded areas, tile floors, or a basement.
Use fans to improve air circulation in your home, and consider offering ice cubes or frozen treats for a refreshing lick. Dampen a towel for your cat to rest on during particularly hot days.
Finally, try to schedule playtime during the cooler parts of the day, such as early mornings or evenings.

While these tips will help keep your cat comfortable, it’s important to watch for signs of overheating, such as excessive panting, lethargy, or drooling. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately.

With a little extra attention during hot weather, you can help ensure your feline friend stays healthy and comfortable all summer long.

Get the Tips Sheet

Upcoming Events

July 4, 2026:Happy 4th of July!

Thank YOU for Your Support

Cats of the Month for July: Jazz and Avocato

Jul 1, 2026 | Cat of the Month, News

Everyone Else Graduated… These Two Missed the Memo

When we launched our Cat of the Month program earlier this year, we had one goal: to help some of our longest waiting cats finally find the loving homes they deserve. The good news? It worked.

Four of our first six Cat of the Month stars are now happily settled into homes of their own. They’re lounging on couches, supervising dinner, and living the good life.

But two of our brightest stars are still waiting. It’s time to find homes for Jazz and Advocato.

They’re funny. They’re full of personality. Each has its own fan club among our staff and volunteers. They’re also both looking for something a little specific: a home where they can be the one and only feline superstar.

🎷 Jazz: The Queen Who Knows What She Wants

Jazz is 10/10. Shelter life? 0/10. 😹😹😹

She’s on vacation this month at a volunteer foster home. To meet her, please indicate “I want to meet Jazz” on your adoption survey. She will not appear in the adoptable cats list this month.

Jazz is equal parts elegance and sass. This mature lady enjoys affection on her terms, appreciates a comfy place to lounge, and believes she deserves to be the center of your universe. Honestly? She’s not wrong.

Jazz also has a few medical needs that help keep her feeling her best. She receives a once-a-month injection to manage inflammation, eats a special diet to support healthy skin, and sports a stylish little collar to help manage her skin allergies. With this routine, Jazz is comfortable, happy, and ready to enjoy life.

She doesn’t need another cat competing for your attention. She’d much rather have all the love (and sunny windowsills) to herself. If you’ve ever dreamed of sharing your home with a cat who has main character energy, Jazz is ready for the role.

🥑 Advocato: Professional Goofball Seeking Full-Time Playmate

If Jazz is royalty, Advocato is the class clown. This handsome boy has endless curiosity, a huge personality, and enough energy to keep life interesting.

The challenge? Shelter life just isn’t exciting enough. Advocato is getting bored, and when a smart, playful cat runs out of things to do, he invents his own entertainment. That sometimes means playful swats, grabbing your sleeve, or handing out enthusiastic love nibbles. He’s not being mean. He’s saying, “Please… someone play with me!”

In a home with room to explore, toys to chase, climbing spots, puzzle feeders, and people who enjoy interactive play, Advocato can channel all that energy into being the entertaining companion he’s meant to be.

Like Jazz, he’d prefer not to share his kingdom with another cat. He wants all the toys, all the adventures, and all the attention.

The Final Two

We’re incredibly proud that so many of our Cat of the Month cats have found families. Now it’s Jazz and Advocato’s turn.

Sometimes the best cats wait the longest simply because they need the right match. We know those people are out there.

Maybe it’s someone who only wants one cat.

Maybe it’s someone looking for a companion with a big personality.

Maybe it’s you. Make an appointment to meet Jazz and/or Advocato. Or both. You can finally find YOUR match.

Help us make sure the last two members of our original Cat of the Month class finally get to graduate into homes of their own.

Ready to meet your new best friend?

Visit SAFE Haven for Cats and ask to spend some time with Jazz or Advocato. They’re going to make quite the impression.

One Last Chance to Adopt Jazz

This July marks Jazz’s final month on the SAFE Haven adoption floor, making it your last opportunity to adopt her. If she hasn’t found her forever family by the end of the month, she’ll transition into our Permanent Foster Program, where she’ll enjoy the comfort of a loving foster home while continuing her search for the perfect match. We’re thrilled that Jazz will have a cozy place to spend her days, but our greatest wish is for her to skip that step entirely and head straight into a forever home. If you’ve been thinking about meeting Jazz, don’t wait. This is her month, and we’d love nothing more than to see her walk out the front door with the family she’s been waiting for.

How to Introduce a New Cat to Your Pets at Home

Jun 17, 2026 | Education

Bringing home a new cat is exciting. It’s also one of the moments where many pet owners panic and think, “Oh no… this was a mistake.”

Your resident cat is hissing. Your dog is obsessed with the newcomer. Everyone seems stressed. The new cat is hiding under a bed, refusing to come out.

Take a deep breath: this is normal.

Most pet introductions are not instant friendships. In fact, successful introductions usually happen slowly, quietly, and over time. The good news? With patience and a thoughtful plan, most cats can learn to coexist with other pets peacefully and even form close bonds.

At SAFE Haven for Cats, we encourage adopters to think of introductions as a process, not a single moment.

The Golden Rule: Slow Is Fast

One of the biggest mistakes people make is rushing introductions because they want everyone to “just get along.” Cats are territorial animals. A new pet changes their environment, routines, smells, and sense of safety. Gradual introductions help reduce fear and build trust.

Think of it this way: the slower you go at the beginning, the smoother things usually go long term.

Best Practices for Cat-to-Cat Introductions

Feline Friendly Fun-damentals Event 2018-06-05 Bringing home a new cat is exciting, but remember: your resident cat may not be celebrating just yet. Cats are naturally territorial, and even the friendliest feline can feel unsure when a new cat suddenly appears in their space. The good news is that most cats can learn to live happily together when introductions are done slowly and thoughtfully. By taking the process one step at a time, you’ll help both cats feel safe, build confidence, and give their new relationship the best possible start.

Start With a Safe Room

Your new cat should begin in a small, quiet room with:

Food and water
A litter box
A cozy hiding place
Toys and scratching surfaces

For the first several days, avoid face-to-face interactions between your resident cat(s) and your recently adopted cat.

Let Them Get Used to Each Other’s Smell

Salsa the tabby with socks waits in the rainbow bed Before cats meet, they should become familiar with each other through scent. Try:

Swapping blankets or bedding
A litter box swap = moving the cats’ litter boxes between their rooms, or placing a small amount of used litter from one box into the other.
Gently wiping each cat with a soft cloth and exchanging the cloths
Allowing each cat to explore the other’s space separately

Feed Near the Door

One of the easiest ways to help cats build positive feelings about each other is through food. Feed your cats on opposite sides of the closed door so they can smell each other while enjoying a meal. Over time, they’ll start to associate the other cat’s scent with something good.

Move Slowly to Visual Introductions

Once both cats seem comfortable with each other’s scent, it’s time for a visual introduction. Use a baby gate, screen door, or another barrier that allows the cats to see each other without making physical contact.

Keep these first meetings short, calm, and positive. Offer treats, toys, or meals on opposite sides of the barrier to help create good experiences. Think of introductions as happening one sense at a time. First, the cats smell each other. Then, they see each other. Finally, they meet face-to-face. Taking things slowly helps both cats feel safe and confident.

When both cats can calmly see each other without signs of fear or stress, you can begin supervised face-to-face introductions. Use treats and wand toys to keep interactions fun and low-pressure. A little hissing or growling is normal as cats figure each other out. If you see serious fighting, chasing, or ongoing aggression, separate the cats and return to the previous step for a little longer.

Most cats won’t become best friends overnight, and that’s okay. Success doesn’t always look like cuddling in the same bed. Many happy cat households include cats who simply respect each other’s space, share the home peacefully, and enjoy life together. Patience now can lead to years of companionship later.

Download: Cat-to-Cat Introduction Guide for a step-by-step checklist you can follow at home.

Best Practices for Introducing Cats and Dogs

Give the Cat Time First

Your new cat should have at least a week to settle into a safe room before meeting your dog. This gives your cat time to feel secure before adding a new friend into the mix.

Keep Dogs Controlled

For the first introductions, keep your dog leashed or in a crate so everyone stays safe. Let your cat decide if and when they want to come closer. During introductions:

Keep your dog leashed or crated
Allow the cat to approach voluntarily
Supervise every interaction
Never force the cat to interact, and make sure every meeting is supervised.

Watch Body Language

Your cat and dog may not speak the same language, but they are constantly communicating. Paying attention to their body language can help you tell the difference between “I’m curious about you” and “Please give me some space.”

Good signs:

Calm sniffing
Relaxed posture
Curiosity

Warning signs:

Barking or lunging
Stiff posture
Puffed fur or hiding

If things feel tense, no problem. Separate them and try again another day. Slow, positive introductions help cats and dogs build trust at their own pace.

With patience, many cats and dogs learn to live happily in the same home, whether they become best buddies or simply peaceful roommates.

👉 Download: Cat-and-Dog Introduction Guide for tips on safe supervised meetings and common warning signs to watch for.

When Should You Move to the Next Step?

Before moving to the next step, make sure both pets are telling you they’re comfortable with the pace. Look for these signs:

Eating normally
Calm around each other’s scent
Curious rather than fearful
Recovering quickly after interactions

Every pet friendship develops at its own speed. Some cats and dogs are ready to move forward in a few days, while others need a few weeks. That’s completely normal. Taking things slowly now can help create a happier, more peaceful relationship for years to come.

Helpful Tools

Think of these as your cat introduction starter kit. While every cat is different, these tools can help make the process smoother and less stressful for everyone involved. Some families find these helpful during introductions:

Feliway or calming pheromone diffusers
Baby gates
Treats and wand toys
Cat trees or elevated spaces
Vertical spaces can help cats feel safe and confident.

Final Thoughts

Your pets do not need to become best friends overnight. Success might simply look like peaceful coexistence and reduced stress. The key is patience, supervision, and allowing relationships to develop naturally over time.

The Cat Chronicle – June 2026

Jun 8, 2026 | The Cat Chronicle

Cat of the Month: Avocato

Meet Avocato, the black cat with leading man energy!

From the moment you walk by his kennel, he’ll lock eyes with you using his one-of-a-kind gaze and adorably unique eye that only adds to his charm. This boy is on a mission to get adopted, and he’s not shy about it. He’ll reach through the kennel to grab your attention, hand out kitty kisses, and if subtlety fails, he is absolutely willing to yell about it. Avocato believes love should be loud.

A Little Full Disclosure:
Our guy is a little too round for his own good, so weight management food will be important to keep him healthy and strutting his stuff for years to come. He also gets eye drops once a day, but he takes them like a champ and doesn’t seem to mind the extra attention.

Most of all, Avocato is READY. Ready for a real home. Ready to stop trying so hard from inside a kennel. Ready for someone to finally say, “Yep. That’s my cat.” 🖤Ready to meet your leading man? Avocato is waiting for you!

Sips for Snips - Square _Instagram Post _45__ _1_

Sips for Snips with Sneaky Penguin!

Raise a glass for a great cause! 🍻 Join SAFE Haven for Cats at the Sneaky Penguin Brewing Company in Raleigh for a purr-fect afternoon of craft brews, community, and cat love.

Every beer sold on Sunday, June 7, helps fund low-cost spay/neuter surgeries through the SAFE Care Clinic, preventing unwanted litters and keeping cats healthy across the Triangle.

Sips for Snips
Sunday, June 7, 2026
1 – 4 PM
Sneaky Penguin Brewing Company – Raleigh
7449 Six Forks Road, Raleigh, NC 27615

Learn More

Kick Off Summer with Purradise Found!

Join us on Friday, June 12, from 4-8 p.m. for a fun-filled summer adoption event featuring adorable kittens and lovable cats ready to find their forever homes!

Kittens will be available on a first-come, first-adopted basis until they’re gone, but don’t worry, we’ll also have plenty of amazing adult cats looking for loving families, too.

Whether you’re searching for a tiny sidekick or a laid-back cuddle buddy, your perfect match may be waiting for you at SAFE Haven. Celebrate summer and help a cat find their paradise.

Important: Kittens will not be adopted until the event starts at 4:00 PM on June 12.

See Event Details

How to Introduce Cats Successfully

June is National Adopt a Cat/Shelter Cat Month. The purrfect time to add a second feline friend to your family! Whether your current cat is lonely, has recently lost a companion, or you simply love cats, proper introductions are key to success!

Did you know that first impressions between cats take the longest to break? So taking the time to do it right sets the foundation for a peaceful relationship.

A proper cat-to-cat introduction typically takes about 2 weeks, although some cats may need longer depending on their personalities and the situation. But with patience and the right approach, most cats can learn to coexist happily (and some even become best friends!).

Check out our step-by-step guide to help you introduce your cats successfully.

Read Our Cat-to-Cat Introduction Guide

Upcoming Events

June 7, 2026: Sips for Snips with Sneaky Penguin Brewing Company
June 12, 2026: Purradise Found Kitten Adoption Event

Thank YOU for Your Support

Cat of the Month for June: Avocato

Jun 2, 2026 | Cat of the Month, News

Avocato is a black cat with leading man energy, and he knows it.

From the moment you walk by, he’ll lock eyes with you using his one-of-a-kind gaze, complete with an adorably unique eye that only adds to his charm and expressive face. Honestly, it just makes him more unforgettable.

This boy is on a mission to get adopted.

He’ll reach through the enclosure to grab your attention, hand out kitty kisses, and if subtlety fails, he is absolutely willing to yell about it. Advocato believes love should be loud.

When he’s really turning on the charm, he flops onto his back with all four paws in the air like a fuzzy little showman saying, “Look how cute I am. Be serious.” And unfortunately for the rest of us, it works every time.

Avocato is affectionate and interactive without being a Stage 5 Clinger. He wants to hang out with you, supervise your day, and be part of the action, but he’s also perfectly content doing his own thing nearby.

He will need a patient adopter or someone willing to give him time to get comfortable. Avocato tends to view his humans as favorite playmates, so gentle love nibbles and playful paw swipes are part of his repertoire. They’re his way of joining the fun, and once playtime is over, he’s all about the cuddles

More to Love

Now, full disclosure: our guy is a little too round for his own good. Weight management food is going to be important so he can stay healthy and keep strutting his stuff for years to come. He also gets eye drops once a day, but he takes them like a champ and doesn’t seem to mind the extra attention.

Ready for some playtime?

Most of all, Avocato is READY. Ready for a real home. Ready to stop trying so hard from inside a shelter. Ready for someone to finally say, “Yep. That’s my cat.” 🖤

Make an appointment to meet Avocato today