Ruff Start Rescue: Cat Enrichment Grant Report
How did this grant help your organization and the pets in your care?
Funds were used to purchase craft supplies to make enrichment products for our rescued cats. The supplies were used to create fishing toys, catnip toys, scratching posts, and fleece bedding.
This year we will care for nearly 700 cats. We rely on donations from the public to provide required and enrichment products for our animals. At the same time, we believe in teaching children and families about the importance of animal care and enrichment through a variety of community outreach activities. With this grant, we purchased craft supplies to make toys, scratching posts, and bedding for our foster cats. Children from the community came out to our facility to make a variety of toys and blankets for our cats. The children get the opportunity to learn about the animals, and the cats benefit with access to the fun toys and bedding that were made from the activity. We appreciate this opportunity to educate children and families and, at the same time, give back to the special cats in our care.
How many pets did this grant help?
100 cats
Please provide a story of one or more specific pets this grant helped.
Mr. Murray (first photo) came into rescue with a severe injury to his back. He was missing fur and had multiple cuts and scrapes that we assume were caused by a hawk or eagle. Despite his injuries, he is the sweetest cat. He loves pets from his human caregivers and snuggles in fleece blankets. He has received appropriate treatment for his injuries and is now ready for his forever home. We know he will find the perfect family soon. Meet Mr. Murray here.
Tuna (second photo) came to Ruff Start from a local shelter. He is a super playful and loving cat. His motto is “Play hard, nap hard.” He really appreciates new toys, and fleece is his favorite. He came into rescue with another foster cat named Babs. Babs is very shy, but she comes out of her shell with the support of Tuna. It has been difficult to get these two placed in a forever home because we would prefer that Tuna and Babs live out their lives together. In the meantime, they are enjoying their foster home and getting new enrichment items from the rescue once and awhile.
Meet Tuna here.
Meet Babs here.
