Adopt-A-Cat-Month at Berkshire Humane Society

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Berkshire Humane Society is celebrating Adopt-A-Cat-Month this month, with special promotions to help prospective cat parents bring a cat home. BHS is offering a "Two-fur-One" reduced adoption rate during the entire month of June at the shelter on Barker Road, and at its new feline adoption center, Purradise, on Stockbridge Road in Great Barrington.

There will also be a $25 micro-chip clinic and nail-trimming at both locations. For a $5 donation, the staff will trim, and instruct cat owners on how to trim, their cat's nails. To schedule an appointment, call 413-447-7878 ext. 24 or 413-717-4244.

Each newly adopted cat’s owner will be entered in the raffle for a Super Cat Scratching Post to be held at the end of June. 

In addition to these special promotions, Cheryl Truskowski, the Feline Supervisor, has the following advice for families considering adopting a cat.

* Age: While kittens are hard to resist, adult cats are often better suited to families with young children. Mature cats respond better to the clumsy handling of inquisitive toddlers.

* Personality: A cat’s true personality may not show until he has been in his new home for several weeks.

* Coat: Long versus short. The longer the cat’s fur, the more brushing will be needed.

* Nutrition and health: Good nutrition and yearly vet visits will keep your cat healthy and happy.

* Keeping your cat indoors will prevent him from getting into accidents or running into wildlife. The national average of an indoor/outdoor cat life span is only five years, compared to a strictly indoor cat, which is 15-18 years.

* Kids and cats: Children should be taught that a kitten or cat is a companion, not a toy. Children and the new cat should never be left unsupervised.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Possible Measles Exposure at Boston, Logan

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Public Health confirmed Wednesday that an out-of-state adult visitor who spent time in Boston and Westborough earlier this month was diagnosed with measles and was present in a number of locations.
 
This could have resulted in other people being exposed to measles virus.
 
The visitor arrived at Logan International Airport on American Airlines flight 2384 from Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, on Dec. 11 at 2:39 p.m. They stayed at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Boston-Westborough in Westborough and departed the state on Dec. 12 via Logan at 9:19 p.m. on JetBlue flight 117 to Las Vegas.
 
DPH is working with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local partners to identify and notify those who may have been exposed to measles from this individual.
 
"Measles is a highly contagious, airborne disease, which has increased significantly in the United States because of the unfortunate decrease in vaccination rates. It is also a preventable disease," said Public Health Commissioner Dr. Robbie Goldstein. "This current situation serves as an important reminder of the critical role vaccination plays in protecting our communities. While Massachusetts has not had a measles case this year, 2025 saw the highest number of nationwide cases in more than a decade — nearly 2,000 in 44 jurisdictions, and sadly, three deaths. 
 
"Fifteen years ago, measles had been considered eliminated in the United States, but that tremendous progress is at risk. Vaccines are one of the most important public health interventions ever — they are safe, effective, and lifesaving."
 
Measles is very contagious. However, the risk to most people in Massachusetts is low because the vaccination rate in the state is high. People who are not immune and visited any of the locations on the following dates and times may be at risk for developing measles.
 
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