Lollypop Farm, Humane Society of Greater Rochester: Cat Enrichment Grant Report
How did this grant help your organization and the pets in your care?
Enrichment activities are key elements for cats while they are in the shelter. Shelters can be stressful environments for animals and cats especially can have a difficult time adjusting to new sounds, people, smells, and routines while here. Having enrichment activities for them to do can help keep them healthy, emotionally and physically. When cats are feeling their best, their chances of being adopted increase exponentially. The cat enrichment items we were able to purchase due to the generous grant from the Petfinder Foundation have been a tremendous help by providing activities for our cats that enable them to exercise, play-hunt, hide, and interact with people in a positive way. It has helped them become less stressed and has led to many happy adoptions! Thank you again for your support!
How many pets did this grant help?
100
Please provide a story of one or more specific pets this grant helped.
Damon (first and second photos) is a sweet, very energetic 1-year-old cat who came to us on Feb. 1, 2022. If Damon could talk, we’re pretty sure he would describe himself like this: “No need for last names, you can just call me Damon. I am the handsome and debonair guy in the short black fur coat. I have played some genteel roles, but what I enjoy most are the ones with action and thrills. I am just a rough-and-tumble guy who wants to have fun and challenges. No stunt doubles for me; I am the real deal, from the chase of the mouse to the thrill of the catch.”
Damon was put on a behavior plan when he arrived due to his stress reaction when near other cats and people. Our staff worked with him daily, using Feliway and many of the toys we were able to purchase thanks to the grant from the Petfinder Foundation. After seven weeks of enrichment and lots of love and cuddles from our staff, Damon is now on adoption hold and will be going to his forever family next week! A purrfect ending for this gorgeous boy!!
