IT’S OFFICIAL: BIRMINGHAM IS THE NUMBER 1 PLACE IN THE US TO LIVE RIGHT NOW. IF YOU ARE A CAT, THAT IS
Source: Bham Now (Extract)
Posted: December 9, 2020
Cats rule, dogs drool. In a new study by PetListed.com, Birmingham is officially the cats meow. Find out what makes us No. 1.
A Look at the Study
The study looked at data sets covering the most 100 populous cities in America to discover which were the most feline friendly. PetListed looked at the following areas:
- Amount of cat-friendly housing in a city
- Number of AAFP certified cat veterinary practices
- Abundance of local animal shelters + welfare groups
- Number of pet stores selling cat products
How did Birmingham fare in each category?
We crushed it! Birmingham scored an A+ in feline friendliness beating out 99 other cities for the No. 1 spot. Kitty high five!
The study also found that Birmingham’s housing market is ideal for owning a cat (or in most cases, cats. Cats are like potato chips after all, you can’t stop with just one.)
With 81% of all available rental properties across the city allowing felines, this makes Birmingham the 6th highest cat-friendly housing market in the U.S. Meowza!
A deeper dive into local animal shelters
Based on the study, one area where Birmingham shines for felines is in animal shelters and welfare groups. What shelters and groups are leading the clowder (that’s cat speak for “a group of cats”)?
Gatos and Beans
Part feline adoption center, part cafe, Gatos and Beans was Birmingham’s very first cat cafe, and locals quickly fell in love with the concept. A place to grab a coffee and chill with snuggly purring cats? Who could resist?
The cat cafe partners with local animal rescue Kitty Kat Haven who provides the adoption center with cats who are in need of a good home. The rescue’s also responsible for the vet care, food, litter and other essential needs of the cats in the adoption center. Employees of Gatos and Beans provide the day-to-day care of the animals.
Kitty Kat Haven and Rescue
Kitty Kat Haven and Rescue is a feline-centered rescue whose mission is to save abandoned, stray and injured cats and kittens. By providing cats with complete veterinary care in a safe and loving environment, felines are cared for until they can be placed in loving homes.
Greater Birmingham Humane Society
You may not know this, but the Greater Birmingham Humane Society has been helping pets since 1883. With a mission to promote the humane treatment of people and animals through education, advocacy and services, the GBHS has helped many animals – in Birmingham and beyond.
Cat Rescue Heroes
We can’t overlook the many local cat heroes who volunteer their time to help cats in need. This includes feral cats, which have become an increasing issue around Birmingham.