Cat Charities in the US

Cat lovers tend to be very passionate about their furry friends. Not only do we share our homes and our lives with our feline companions, we want to take care of those outside our families. There are many charitable organizations that rescue, rehabilitate and foster cats.

There are groups devoted to education about particular types and breeds, and others, which concentrate on feral or wild cat populations. Some organizations are more political in nature, working toward policy change, which would benefit all animals. If you have either time or money to donate, there is an organization out there that will fit your interest.

Probably the largest and best known pet charities in the US are the Humane Society, and the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. These are large organizations with many diverse programs and educational branches. Both groups are committed to providing resources to pet owners and the general public to help us keep animals safe in an increasingly dangerous world. Donations are gladly accepted.

Membership in each group begins at $25 per year. Donors are automatically sent news and information. In addition to free gifts to members, both the ASPCA and the HSUS have online gift stores open to anyone. They provide lots of pet-themed gifts and treats.

If you are looking for a local charity, there is no shortage of these. Almost every city in America has some sort of local animal shelter, in some cases there are several. A quick computer search will show you more cat helping organizations than you can imagine! There are rescue groups of all kinds: some concentrate on specific breeds of cat, others work with feral cats, and many are devoted to finding homes for all cats. There are many "no kill" shelters, which are committed to caring for animals throughout their lives.

If you were interested in making a donation, any one of these groups would be glad to have you as a member! Before you send a check, you may want to visit the facility, to make sure that the organization is doing the kind of work you believe in. Get to know the staff. A donation of food, blankets, medicine or other animal related goods might be needed. If you have any extra cat supplies, call your local shelter or other favorite cat charity to see what their current needs is.

Most cat charities need volunteers just as much as financial donations. Maybe you are in a position to foster a cat while an appropriate home is found for her. Volunteers are needed for outreach, office assistance, grooming and exercising cats, and just giving them love and affection. Whether you want to work directly with the animals or use your talents to further the organizations goals, there are many different opportunities to help cats through these charities. Look for one that supports your favorite breed, or that is devoted to education on spaying and neutering. Cats can't speak for themselves; they need the humans who love them to help out!