Like eHarmony, Only for Kitties

Campaign aims to find 3,000 animals a home

(NEWSER) - Pet shelters across the nation are urging Americans to get on the Obama bandwagon and adopt a pet; as an added incentive, they're dropping regular fee for the first 10 adoptions at each of 300 participating shelters Jan. 24, USA Today reports. Fees for the 3,000 pets will be picked up by Hill's Pet Nutrition, which organized the event. More»

Animal shelters need to make process more friendlier, critics say

(NEWSER) - Animal shelters are hitting would-be pet owners with a vetting process they say puts them on a short leash, the Chicago Tribune reports. Prospective owners often face pages of queries on condo rules, finances, marital status—and even home visits. “We got a lecture about how having a dog is a big responsibility,” said one Chicagoan seeking a dog with her boyfriend. “I felt like my mom was talking to me.” More»

As more people lose their homes, so do their pets

(NEWSER) - As foreclosure rates skyrocket around the country, animal shelters are feeling a heartbreaking byproduct: an influx of pets being surrendered, USA Today reports. Across the country, areas with high foreclosures are seeing increased rates of pet abandonment, and shelters worry that even more could be coming as unemployment rates rise and affects renters. More»

(NEWSER) - Unlike most animals who were domesticated by man, cats, you cat owners will not be surprised to learn, domesticated themselves. A study published in Science concludes that some 12,000 years ago cats, attracted by mice, who were themselves attracted by grain which man had just figured out how to cultivate, decided to settle down with us. More»

Daniel's odd feet has brought in $50,000 and counting

(NEWSER) - Daniel, an orange-and-white tabby cat, is doing everything he can to save the Milwaukee Animal Rescue Center, and he's doing it by showing off his bizarre feet. He has 26 toes. Donations of $26—one for each digit—are flooding into the nonprofit animal shelter , which was recently hit with a double rent increase and needs to relocate to a cheaper building or go under, reports the AP . More»