Just in time for Halloween, the Animal Shelter of Martha’s Vineyard has some singular pumpkin-colored cats. A mother, Etta, and her two kittens were surrendered. One kitten has already been adopted, and the other, a laid-back male named Ray is also ready for a new home. At eight weeks old he is eating solid food, but since he is still housed with his mother, he nurses from time to time. Once he leaves the nest, so to speak, his mother’s milk will dry up and she can be spayed and ready for a new home. Orange females are quite rare. Etta is guaranteed to bring that special sunshine to her new owner’s life.

Orange male cats are supposedly the smartest felines of all. Morris, a.k.a. Gus, found his way to us.

What radar propels a starving cat to the place where he will be fed, given a warm bed , medical attention and lots of people to pet and cuddle him? Found huddled behind the building, he yowled loudly when a human stumbled upon him after closing time at the shelter. He has gained a pound on his emaciated frame since his rescue. He is a sweet guy who purrs loudly when held on a human lap. He was raised right, as we say about people. Wherever he came from, he must be missed.

No dogs are currently at the shelter, but we do have a beautiful brown and white female bunny, an adorable guinea pig, and an eight-week-old baby boy cat who is gray with white markings. He is playful and very friendly. He will need to be neutered when he matures a bit more.

The shelter is grateful to the Island vets who voluntarily care for these homeless animals. The Vineyard Veterinary Clinic, My Pet’s Vet, Animal Health Care and Sea Breeze all give of their time and expertise to examine, inoculate, and treat, if need be, all new arrivals at the shelter. The shelter is fortunate to have this service available from our dedicated Island doctors. Many thanks to each and every one of them from the animals, the staff and the volunteers at the shelter.

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.