Anchorage elders help felines prepare for adoption during ‘Kitten Social Hour’

Residents of Providence Horizon House, an assisted living facility, got a chance to hold kittens Wednesday as part of its first Kitten Social Hour. The event, coordinated by Anchorage Animal Care and Control, gives kittens who aren’t yet available for adoption the chance to be exposed to new people and a new environment. AACC public relations coordinator Laura Atwood said they hope to visit once a week, as long as there are kittens.

“When we put them up for adoption, they’re better prepared to come into their new home,” Atwood said.

Kittens at AACC become available for adoption when they are 8 weeks old and 2 pounds, Atwood said. Karen Strash-Purtzer, Horizon House activity and volunteer coordinator, said holding kittens benefits the residents also.

“I think it lowers their blood pressure. I think they have just a moment of relaxation,” Strash-Purtzer said. “Maybe some of the residents, if they’re able, will end up adopting a kitten.”