Umberto’s sleek style aside, he had a rough start.  Like a lot of cats, before parading around a webcomic, he found himself among the strays.  Though the personalities you’ll discover in shelter animals are wonderful and varied, estimates indicate that their odds aren’t great:

According to ASPCA figures, approximately

• Dogs: 35% adopted, 31% euthanized
• Cats: 37% adopted, 41% euthanized
• More than two million adoptable animals are euthanized annually

There are two means of refuge from the misery of life — music and cats. ~Albert Schweitzer

When it’s time to open your doors to a companion animal, Mind the Queen: love responsibly!  Visit and support your local rescue organizations by making adoption your first option.  Umberto wandered the mean streets before finding his forever home and joined the indoor life.  Since he’s no shabby tabby, we’re sure there are plenty more fabulous, undiscovered characters out there.