Here at the Animal Shelter of Martha’s Vineyard we are pacing around with our very pregnant mama cat awaiting the birth of her litter. Those of us who have been in that shape (like a barrel) remember the days when rolling over in bed required a major effort. In cats it severely compromises their climbing and jumping ability, so the poor prospective mother has four on the floor these days. All of us are impatient for the blessed event. As well as having not much news this week, we have not many animals that haven’t been spoken for. We do have one new cat, a young female named Scout, who will have her visit with the vet this week, after which she will be in the market for a new home. The remaining cats are going to their new owners very soon. We are always delighted to match animals with forever homes.

Ed the guinea pig remains with us after his brother, Ralph, was adopted last week. He is a cuddly boy full of happy squeaks while being held on a lap and petted. Although he shows no signs of going anywhere fast, Ed has a significant racing stripe down his nose. The rest of him is several shades of brown. After he leaves the shelter, we will be getting some more of these docile, undemanding pets. Check this column for their arrival.

The rabies clinic takes place this Saturday, April 5, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the shelter in Edgartown, and from 10 a.m. until noon at the public safety building on State Road in West Tisbury. Let us emphasize a few points:

• No one will be admitted to either location until 10 a.m. Our vets are not set up until that hour so there is no point in coming earlier.

• Bring your cat(s) in a carrier, not a box from which they can easily escape.

• In the case of dogs, they must be securely leashed. This does not mean a piece of clothesline with a bowline thrown over the animal’s head for the same reason quoted above.

• If you can locate your animal’s previous rabies certificate, bring it so your pet can receive an inoculation good for three years, sparing both of you the hassle of doing this all over again next spring.

Keep your eyes on this column for the news of the kittens’ birth.

Shelter hours are Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Thursdays and Fridays, 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The shelter is closed Sunday and Monday. The telephone number is 508-627-8662. Contributions are always gratefully accepted; the shelter is funded solely by donations. Please make checks out to The Animal Shelter of Martha’s Vineyard; the mailing address is P.O. Box 1829, Edgartown, MA 02539.