We realize that not everyone can adopt a new cat, but most folks really do want to make a difference. The good news is there are many ways to help. From assisting in the care and placement of shelter felines to educating the public on feral cat issues�0;97;here are a few easy ways you can make a difference for homeless cats in your community.
Show Your Virtual Support
Dedicate your MySpace page, Facebook status, Tweet or blog to an adoptable cat and help spread the word about Adopt-A-Shelter-Cat Month! You can also join our cause on Facebook or put an ASPCA donation widget on your personal web page.
Volunteer at Your Local Shelter. Volunteering at your local shelter is a great way to make a difference in the lives of homeless cats. From playing with kittens and organizing fundraising events to fostering abused or frightened felines, shelters across the country are in desperate need of volunteers. Be sure to visit our Ten Ways to Help Your Local Shelter for more suggestions.
Donate Goods. Caring for homeless cats and providing them with food are expensive endeavors. You can help by donating money or goods�0;97;including toys, crates, blankets or food to your local shelter. Always check to see what the shelter needs before donating.
Throw a Party! Organize an event for all your friends, and donate the proceeds to your favorite shelter in honor of Adopt-A-Shelter-Cat Month. Any kind of social event�0;97;a pizza party, car wash or community yard sale�0;97;is a great way to make new friends and raise money. Publicize it with flyers and signs, and remind everyone about the importance of Adopt-A-Shelter-Cat Month.
Spread the Word! Talk to others about helping homeless pets. Encourage those who are looking for new pets to consider adopting an animal from a shelter. Inform friends and family members about shelter fundraisers and events.
Care for Feral Cats. The number of feral cats in the U.S. is estimated to be in the tens of millions. Our Feral Cat FAQ will teach you how to help protect and humanely control the feral cats in your neighborhood.
Help Stray Kittens. Warm weather brings outdoor fun�0;97;and kittens! Sounds cute, but during kitten season�0;97;which runs from early spring until late fall�0;97;neighborhoods and shelters across the country can become overwhelmed. Learn how you can help.
Promote Spaying and Neutering. Millions of adoptable cats are put to sleep in shelters every year due to pet overpopulation. Help develop a spay/neuter outreach program in your community. Visit our Spay/Neuter Database to see who in your community offers low-cost spay/neuter programs. Create flyers promoting these organizations and pass them out at shopping centers, pet supply stores and schools.
Contact the Media. Write a letter to the editor of your local or regional newspaper, reminding them that June is Adopt-A-Shelter-Cat Month. Be sure to include a heads-up about any adoption or fundraising events happening at your local shelter. You can also contact TV and radio stations!
Report Animal Cruelty. One of the best things you can do to for the cats in your community is to help crack down on animal cruelty. Visit our Fight Animal Cruelty section for simple actions you can take to make the world a safer place for cats and other animal companions.