10 Ways You Can Help Shelter Cats

Think you don’t have the time to help shelter cats? Think again. There are tons of ways that you can help kitties in need, and some only take minutes. Read these 10 ways to help shelter cats and start making a difference today:

1. Put a donation box in your workplace. An empty box for donations can inspire others to help as well. Food, collars, toys, that cat tree that your kitty won’t look twice at… all of them can be used by a pet in need. If your company allows, try spreading the word via email or a flyer. Be sure to drop the donations off to a cat shelter as soon as possible and thank your coworkers when you’re done.

2. Collect old towels. Worn out towels and blankets are in high demand at shelters. Not only do they help make a cold, sterile cage more comforting, but they are easy to wash and give cats something to scratch on if bored.

3. Make some catnip toys and donate them. The Internet is full of simple patterns for basic catnip toys that kitties love. For under $10, you can make enough toys to keep a colony of cats very happy.

4. Volunteer to play with the kitties. Yes, really! Socialization is a very important part of feline development. Many shelters lack adequate volunteers for cleaning and socializing, so it’s worth contacting them to see if they have any volunteer slots available. Even once a month makes a difference.

5. Hold a cat toy drive. For your next party, consider asking guests to bring a small cat toy or other pet-related item for donation. The cats will appreciate it, and it will make you feel better than a traditional host or hostess gift.

6. Foster. There is always a need to foster kittens or cats. You can find out more details from your favorite local shelter.

7. Volunteer for a Trap-Neuter-Release program. These programs help reduce the feral cat population by humanely trapping stray cats, neutering/spaying them, and releasing them to their original territory. By stopping the cycle of feral cat reproduction, you can do a world of good for cats everywhere. Look for local TNR groups or animal welfare programs for more information.

8. Take photos for shelters. Got an eye behind the lens? Help homeless cats by photographing them for adoption programs. Cats who look happy and comfortable in their adoption photos are adopted much more quickly than ones who look scared or unfriendly…or who have no photo at all. See if your local shelter will let you take some internet-friendly photos for their use and help more cats find their forever homes.

9. Put your change to work. At the end of every day, take all those spare pennies and nickels in your pockets and put them into a change jar. At the end of the month, cash it in at a change machine and donate to your favorite shelter. A few cents a day might not seem like much, but every little bit helps.

10. Donate while you shop. Some programs such as Amazon Smile will donate a percentage of your purchase to the charity of your choice. If you do a lot of shopping online, this is a great way to help shelter animals at the same time.

I hope these tips have helped you learn about 10 quick, easy ways to help shelter animals.

Want to adopt a shelter cat today? Browse our vast network of shelters and rescues to find a pet in your area today.