Humane Society Makes Purr-fect Matches

Do you consider yourself a "party animal"? Ever dreamt about having a "secret admirer"? Think life would be much easier with a "personal assistant"?

Well, you might be in luck — the Ozaukee County Humane Society is now using the Meet Your Match Feline-ality Adoption Program, which matches owners and cats with similar personalities such as the ones named, and more, according to a press release from the society.

"The program, which includes a behavior assessment of each cat and a brief survey of each adopter, results in a color-coded matchmaking system that brings compatible companions together," the release said. "The result is a reduction in the number of adopted cats returned to agency because they aren’t a good fit."

Feline-ality is based on detailed research and behavior assessments, also taking into account how the cat is likely to act in its new home and the lifestyle that the adopter is going to offer their new pet, the release said. The different personalities are color-coded, and corresponding colored name tags are placed outside the cages of each pet at the shelter.

"A cat with a green color-coded description would be a 'party animal,' 'MVP' or 'leader of the band.' Green cats are savvy, unflappable and adventurous," the release said. "A cat with an orange classification makes a great companion kitty, and would be called a 'sidekick,' 'executive' or 'personal assistant.' A cat with a purple classification is one who seeks affection, is quiet and stays out of trouble. She could be called a 'secret admirer,' 'love bug' or 'private investigator.'"

"The goal for every adoption is to find a loving home for our cats," said Beth Maresh, director of the Ozaukee Campus. "The Feline-ality program helps us do that even better. It helps our counselors match the expectations and lifestyles of the adopters with the behaviors and feline-alities of the cats."

Adopters can print the survey to make a Feline-ality match by visiting the website, www.ozaukeehumane.org and bring the completed form to the shelter with you, or pick up a survey the next time you visit the shelter.