Friends of Parkville Animal Shelter: Grant Report

How did this grant help your organization and the pets in your care?

With the grant money we purchased bubble machines, Ripple Rugs, Neko Flies wands, HexBugs, Shelter Dens, Scratch E Rubs, and Cat E Shack carrier and loungers. We think the mental well-being of our felines is just as important as their physical well-being.

The Petfinder Foundation grant allowed us to help the cats in our care since we never would have been able to spend the extra funds on purchasing some of these products -- especially all at once. All new cats who enter the shelter get a Cat E Shack carrier or lounger and this helps them feel safe at the shelter. We used to have cats lying in their litter boxes to feel safe and that was so sad to see. Our more playful cats are definitely enjoying the toys and the Ripple Rug. It is great for the cats mental well-being to help them burn extra energy and be entertained while living at the animal shelter. Some of the cats are afraid of the bubble machine, but some love to play with the bubbles or just watch them fall through the air.

How many pets did this grant help?

50 and counting. New cats are now getting to enjoy these enrichment items as well.

Please provide a story of one or more specific pets this grant helped.

One of our shelter cats, Desirae, was adopted as a kitten and returned to us recently due to family allergy issues. You could see the fear in Desirae’s eyes (first photo), and she would hide under a blanket to find comfort. As soon as we gave her a Cat E Shack lounger, you see her start to relax. She rubs and marks it to make it her own (second photo) and now the look in her eyes is one of contentment rather than fear (third photo). This beautiful girl is available for adoption: www.petfinder.com/petdetail/39721255