Sylvia Sylvia is an affectionate 9-year-old long...

Sylvia

Sylvia is an affectionate 9-year-old long hair silver gray cat who

can’t find a home because most people are looking for kittens.

“Sylvia is a lap cat that hugs,” said DiAnna Pfaff-Martin, founder

of the Newport Beach-based Community Animal Network. “But most

everyone is wanting a kitten this time of year, forcing euthanasia

rates to soar at shelters.”

While the network offers a “Pet for Seniors” program, families

still prefer kittens. The network discourage seniors from adopting

kittens because the pet often outlives its caretaker and can’t adjust

to the crowded shelter lifestyle later on, Pfaff-Martin said.

“It costs $5,000 to retire a cat in the Newport Beach-based

National Cat Protection Society and most seniors are not prepared,”

she said.

Having more than one cat living together also makes it easier for

them to integrate later on, Pfaff-Martin said.

“Saving lives is what rescue is all about,” she said. “It is not

fluff; it is hard work and emotional. The animals are dying for our

help.”

See other animals available for adoption at www.animalnetwork.org

or Russo’s pet store at Fashion Island between noon and 4 p.m. on

weekends. Information: (949) 759-3646 or Community Animal Network,

P.O. Box 8662, Newport Beach 92658.