Lucky's Cat House: Cat Enrichment Grant Report
How did this grant help your organization and the pets in your care?
The funds were utilized to build/purchase a removable outdoor cat enclosure and decking. Our friendly cat population spends their initial time in Lucky’s Cat House recuperating from being rescued from deplorable conditions, and from what is oftentimes lifesaving vet care, as well as their spay/neuter, vaccinations, and flea and tick prevention. The cats are maintained indoors in cat suites. They are gradually introduced to experiences with other cats and dogs and living with humans. This gives us the opportunity to learn about their personalities and preferences to ensure the best placement possible.
The 2020 Petfinder Foundation Cat Enrichment grant has helped Lucky's Cat House and the cats and kittens in our care. Many of Lucky's rescue cats and kittens come from deplorable conditions and require extra care and socialization before becoming adoptable. The outdoor cat enclosures and decking provide our kitties with extra enrichment by providing them a safe, clean and secure outdoor experience. As recuperation and socialization work begin, Lucky's is now able to offer additional activities and offer the cats an opportunity to create a positive experience while in an enclosed space, effectively enabling faster and easier socialization and shorter recuperations and lengths of stay. The outdoor enclosures reduce environmental stress and the overall health of many of the kitties in our care. As a result of lowering the number of stress-induced illnesses by offering outdoor enrichment, Lucky's Cat House has saved money by reducing the amount spent on antibiotic medications.
How many pets did this grant help?
100
Please provide a story of one or more specific pets this grant helped.
Though many cats and kittens will continue to benefit from the outdoor cat enclosures, currently one kitty stands out. Oscar is a beautiful 7-month-old neutered male. He was found hanging by his front paw in a construction dumpster after a unknown length of time.
Having suffered severe ligament and muscle damage, Oscar was on cage rest for three months to heal his injuries. With the veterinarian’s approval, he was slowly allowed to venture out of his crate to start to regain strength.
Scared and weak from his injury, Oscar would hide and isolate himself from the other cats and kittens. When the outdoor enclosure was built and we opened the door for the kitties to explore, Oscar was one of the first ones to venture into the amazing space. Oscar has now become outgoing and friendly, no longer hiding; he is thriving. His veterinarian has also credited the outdoor enclosure with helping to rebuild Oscar’s strength and improve his leg usage by allowing him an opportunity to climb and jump without the chance of reinjury.
Oscar is now available for adoption and looking for his forever home. Meet Oscar here.
