CatCuddles Celebrates National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week

National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week is from November 1 – 7, 2020. This is an important week dedicated to honoring animal shelters and the people who work and volunteer to help animals in need.

“CatCuddles is dedicated to supporting no-kill shelters and animal rescue organizations across the United States and celebrating National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week is a natural fit for us,” said Steve Miller, owner of CatCuddles.

CatCuddles is an educational website that is dedicated to providing information about no-kill animal shelters, feline health, and different cat breeds.

One of the most direct ways that CatCuddles supports animal shelters is through regular giveaways that make $500 donations to cat rescues or shelters across the nation. Crafty Cat Rescue in Ann Arbor, MI, was the most recent recipient of the $500 donation.

According to the Humane Society of the United States, there are approximately 3,500 animal shelters in the United States housing 6 to 8 million homeless animals. In addition to being a safe place for homeless animals, animal shelters also investigate animal cruelty and neglect, reunite lost pets with their families, teach children how to care for animals, and provide spaying/neutering services to help reduce overpopulation.

“One of the best ways to help celebrate National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week is to adopt a cat or dog from a local animal shelter,” said Miller. “However, if adopting a new pet isn’t an option, there are many other ways to show appreciation for shelter animals and the dedicated people who work and volunteer in shelters.”

One of the easiest ways to help a local animal shelter is to become a fan on Facebook and other social media platforms and help spread the word about animals available for adoption, upcoming fundraising events, and needed supplies. “Supporting a local animal shelter through social media helps to get the word out in the local community about what the shelter needs,” said Miller. “More likes and shares mean more adoptions and support for a shelter.”

Another way to support an animal shelter is by donating needed supplies. Most shelters are often in need of towels, toys, food, cat litter, kitten formula and other items. “CatCuddles recommends checking with the shelter first to see what they need,” said Miller. “Once the most needed items are identified, consider organizing a collection with friends, family, neighbors, and colleagues. Collection drives are also great activities for groups and organizations such as schools and camps. Of course, donating money to shelters is also appreciated and allows the shelter to purchase their most needed items.”

For individuals with the time, volunteering at a local animal shelter can be an immensely rewarding experience. “Most animal shelters need volunteers to help care for and play with the cats and kittens,” said Miller. “Volunteering at an animal shelter is a wonderful outlet for animal lovers of all ages.”

Responsible pet ownership is a great way to help support shelters by spaying and neutering along with microchipping. “It also means ensuring that pets wear collars and ID tags in case they get lost—as well as not allowing pets to roam free. A small percentage of cats are found when they wander outside,” said Miller.