Christmas is a time of presents and giving gifts, and what better gift to give, than one that makes a real difference.
Here are five ways that you can help cats in need and embrace the true spirit and meaning of Christmas.
1. Foster a cat or kitten in your own home
Cat rescue organisations are always looking for foster carers, especially during peak periods such as kitten season. If you have the room available and can provide a safe and caring home for a foster cat or kitten until they find their “furrever” home, contact your local cat rescue organisation for details. Typically you’ll need to provide them with somewhere to sleep, food and litter and transport to vet appointments. Some cat rescue organisations are able to subsidise these costs through donations.
2. Sponsor a cat in need
If you live in an apartment, are renting, or your family situation doesn’t allow you to foster or adopt a cat, then why not consider sponsoring. Sponsors contribute a set monthly amount (usually $15 or more) to help cover the costs of looking after cats in care. Sponsors often support cats who are in long-term foster situations due to age or health issues, and your sponsorships goes towards food, litter and vet bills. Some rescue organisations will send you a sponsorship certificate with a photo and details of your cat, and you may be able to visit them or adopt them if your living arrangements change. Sponsorship for businesses are likely to also include marketing and promotional opportunities.
3. Volunteer your time and skills
If you’re looking for a rewarding volunteering opportunity, why not give your time or skills to help cats in need. Cat rescue organisations are always on the look out for volunteers and there are usually a range of opportunities available such as:
- transporting cats to and from vet appointments
- writing cat adoption profiles
- assisting with administration or marketing
- coordinating fundraising events
- and many more…
4. Make a monetary donation
Most cat rescue organisations are non-profit charity organisations run by volunteers, and funded by fundraising activities and the generous donations of the local community. Any donation you can give will help look after the cats and kitten in care. Charitable donations are tax-deductible over a certain amount (in Australia, donations over $2 are tax-deductible).
Image: Rosana Prada via Flickr
5. Donate ‘wish list’ items
If you’d rather make a more practical donation, there are always a number of items that cat rescue organisations need. Contact your local cat rescue organisation or check their website for their ‘wish list’, so that you can donate an item that is needed. Typically wish lists include things like wet and dry cat food, kitten formula, over the counter medications such as flea and worm treatment, cat litter and trays, and toys for kittens.
What ideas do you have for helping cats in need this festive season? Please share in the comments below.
I once read that employees instead of buying more or less useless secret Santa gifts for the work Xmas party they donated the $$$. I thought that’s an awesome idea. If I’d be employed I would def suggest that. Often the limit is $10 – so really how many gifts that really get used by people are there to find. But same $10 support a rescue to feed a cat for aprox a fortnight…
wonderful suggestions! The holidays should always be about giving back! Love, Caren and Cody