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Learn pet safety from Fire Marshall Bill the cat

The senior kitty at Austin Pets Alive! is looking for a home.

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Fire Marshall Bill is a 9-year-old domestic shorthair.

Photo by Austin Pets Alive!

Let me show you something — it’s Fire Marshall Bill.

Opposite of Jim Carrey’s 1991 “In Living Color” character, Fire Marshall Bill is sharing some cat safety wisdom at Austin Pets Alive! Instead of creating chaos, this time Bill is here to help get his friends adopted.

Bill has been around the block a few times, and has a few reminders:

A close up of a black cat that reads "Fire Marshall Bill says you should spay/neuter your cats!"

Most cats over the age of 7 have a waived adoption fee.

Photo by Austin Pets Alive!

  • Cats and dogs you bring home should get spayed or neutered, if they aren’t already.
  • It’s important to kitty-proof your home by hiding wires or strings before bringing in a furry friend.
  • If you like animals but have commitment issues, the foster program may be a good fit for you.
  • Austin Pets Alive! has a nationwide program development arm, called American Pets Alive!, to help spread the word of no-kill shelters.
  • If newborn puppies and kittens make you melt, you can foster through APA!'s Baby Bottle or Maternity Program.
  • Want an outside kitty? Consider adopting from the Barn Cat Program.
  • Ringworm conditions like Bill’s are totally treatable and go away with proper treatment — in fact, the Ringworm Adoption Center at Austin Pets Alive! has housed and treated more than 1,917 cats since 2016.

As a 9-year-old senior kitty, Bill is easy-going, likes to nap in the sun, and is very affectionate. Bill is free to adopt and comes with lifetime support from the Cat Behavior Team, which helps support successful transitions from the shelter to home.

Learn more or make a donation to Austin Pets Alive!

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