The Independent Cat Society (ICS), a no kill Cat Shelter located in Westville, IN, has joined in the National call for Communities, Non-Profits and Businesses to help our returning Military Veterans achieve a successful transition from the Service to their Community. Findings from a Rand Corporation Research study showed that approximately 18.5 % returning vets suffer from some form of mental health challenge - primarily depression, anxiety, isolation, flash-backs or insomnia.
The ICS is offering a non-traditional healing approach to address this challenge by extending to a returning veteran the opportunity to adopt one of our ICS cats or kittens from the shelter at no charge. The goal of ICS is to help veterans enjoy the many benefits of owning a cat. This is a win-win situation for both the cat and the veteran. The shelter cat receives a second chance at life while our returning military men and women reap the many hours of loyal companionship.
A cat provides an interesting blend of emotional stimulation and physical comfort to a veteran --- a bond is formed not only from touch but also from gazing into their eyes, exercise (as all cats want to play!) and most of all, the beneficial effects of the cat’s purring. The vibration and frequency of the purr has shown to lower stress just by petting a cat and hearing its purr of contentment. This provides a 40% decrease of having a heart attack and even strengthens the bones and heals soft tissue. It seems that cats have the ability to relieve us of our troubles or at least make our worries seem less important.
Although there is no FEE for adopting one ICS cat or kitten, and a second cat or kitten is a minimal $25 adoption fee, the Adoption Process remains the same. All cats residing at the Shelter can be seen on weekends at the Independent Cat Society located at 4061 S. County Line Road, Westville, IN (219) 785-4936. Our hours are Saturday 10 am – 4 pm and Sundays 1 pm – 4 pm or by appointment.
Informational flyers have been distributed to all veteran related agencies, with the intent of reaching as many returning Northwest Indiana veterans as possible. For more information about ICS, please visit http://www.catsociety.org