Celebrate your 4th with one of these great cats

One might be wise to wait until after Independence Day to adopt one of these cats. They just don't like the noise of fireworks, which, combined with the sudden, scary changes of a new home might not make for a great start. Come Friday, the 5th though, go and grab up one of these terrific cats, all available from local, Kansas City shelters.

Spark

Spark going wild.Photo byThe Friends of Parkville Animal Shelter

Forget the sparklers, go for Spark instead, a sweet three-year-old male tabby from the Friends of Parkville Animal Shelter. Spark was living in a home with his sister, Blaze, but they didn't get along well, and, as a result, Spark ended up in the shelter. He's a sweet, social cat who is bustling with energy (as you might guess from the picture above) and will be a delightful addition to your home. He just needs a window and some affection. You'll be his favorite in no time.

Here's another look at Spark.

Spark chilling at the shelter.Photo byThe Friends of Parkville Animal Shelter

Spark would be best without any other cats (remember his sister) and also would be best in a home without small children. You can learn more about Spark by filling out The Friends of Parkville's pre-adoption application. There's no obligation in doing so.

Violet

Violet is pleased to make your introduction.Photo byGreat Plains SPCA

Next up is Violet from Great Plains SPCA. Sadly, the three-year-old Violet has spent her entire life in the shelter system and is looking to find someone who is willing to give her a chance. She's a sweet girl but is on the shy side. Black cats are harder to adopt, as are shy cats, so she's had an uphill battle but hopefully someone, maybe you or someone you know, will be the one that finally gives this girl a home. She'd do best in a house with other cats she can pal around with. Some feline friends would help her acclimate to her new surroundings. If you don't have other cats, Great Plains SPCA would love to send you home with a dynamic duo. You can learn more about Violet here.

Dahlia

Dahlia, looking like she's straight out of a Fancy Feast commercial.Photo byCats Pawjamas

Another cat named after a flower, Dahlia, is also looking for a place to bloom. This beautiful long-haired, black cat from Cats Pawjamas, turns four in August and would love to celebrate her fourth with you. She's an empty nester who raised five kittens but still has lots of energy. She enjoys playtime almost as much as she enjoys kicking up her paws. She'd be good with kids and is currently living with other cats and dogs but would prefer a home where she's your one and only. You can learn more about this black beauty here.

Horatia

Horatia wasn't very interested in the presidential debate, but she dressed up for it anyway.Photo byThe Animal Rescue Alliance

Can you believe your luck? The sweetest cat that you'll ever meet can be yours. That's Horatia, a two-year-old tuxedo from The Animal Rescue Alliance (TARA) who was brought in after she kept hanging out on a neighbor's front steps. That thoughtful neighbor brought her in, and ever since, TARA has been blessed with this sweetheart.

Horatia would like nothing more than for you to bring her home. In return, she'll be your tiny, feline shadow, adoring all the pets you're willing to give her. You can learn more about her here.

Mocha

Mocha is just likely as an actual mocha to wake you up in the morning.Photo byMeowy Matchmakers

Last but not least is Mocha, for all the coffee and/or Tortoiseshell lovers out there. Mocha, like Dahlia, is another empty nester looking for a home. It sounds like Mocha was very protective of her babies and is sort of easing away from a past life of "tortitude" as she gets older. She is on the shy side, so it will take a while but eventually you'll be able to earn her trust and friendship. Brushing her fur and treating her to some Churro's should prove to be a quick way into her heart. You can learn more about this pretty gal here.

That's all for this week. Want to look at more cats? Check out my profile here. Many of the cats featured on past posts are still available!