Shelters and rescues often need to focus their financial resources on meeting the basic but vital needs  of the pets in their care, such as medicine, shelter and food. This leaves little left in the budget for "extras", such as enrichment and comfort items. On top of that, cats are often overlooked in shelters compared to dogs which means they may spend more time awaiting their forever home. With your help, we can care for our feline friends by providing them with comfort, care, and safety while they await adoption.

According to the ASPCA, around 3.2 million cats enter shelters every year. These cats can come from a variety of situations, but by providing them with some of the resources they need, we can help these kitties and cats feel comfortable as they transition into their new environments.

When you send one of these care packs, you're helping shelters, rescues, and foster homes provide for the cats in their care. Your gift may also go home with a cat's new forever family to ensure they feel comfy and cozy in their new home.

The crazy for cats kit includes a bag of treats and a blanket - perfect for making a cat or kitten feel cozy in a strange new setting. Treats also help with training and creating good behavior patterns.

The paw-some pack includes a cozy blanket, a bag of treats, a cat toy and a scratch pad. The toy encourages play and good behavior increasing the likelihood that the cat or kitten will get adopted. The scratch pad helps cats file their nails to keep them short. It also teaches the cat to avoid scratching walls, furniture or other areas of the home.

The purr-fect package includes a bag of treats, a blanket, a scratch pad, and a toy, as well as a cat castle and specialty treats that help with urinary tract health. The cat castle is an easy but effective way for a cat to feel safe in a new space; it not only provides a private area, it also encourages play! Urinary tract diseases are one of the most common problems for cats, so these specialized treats made with cranberries - a natural antioxidant - can help our favorite fur friends stay healthy and happy.

The playful  package includes a cat hammock, cat nip grass, a cat teaser wand, a cat nip toy and cat nip treats. All of these goodies are perfect for helping a cat, or kitten, feel more at ease while they await their forever home. Hammocks are extremely popular in shelters and it's rare to find one empty since most cats love lounging in them! The cat nip treats, grass and toys are favorites among cats, resulting in felines showing more signs of affection, relaxation and happiness. Cat teaser wands not only encourage exercise and play but are a great way for cats to get used to being around people and encourage bonding. All of these items create a positive atmosphere, and when potential adopters come to visit they see the cats at their happiest.

 Stories:

• The Joplin Humane Society was super grateful for supplies sent to them! They received several Purr-fect Packages and the cat castles were a big hit with the cats and kittens. Toys and treats that were sent have given the cats "additional behavioral enrichment opportunities and have helped to reduce stress and anxiety in the kennel environment" says Thomas Mance Jay, a shelter worker for the Joplin Humane Society. Over 100 cats benefited from the generosity of people like you!

• "Two ladies came to our now officially fully-stocked Pet Care Pantry. It was so much fun helping them pick out the items they needed and they were very grateful. I got hugs."- Jennifer Defosse of It Takes A Village rescue said. This amazing organization provides essential supplies to people in the community who have pets and may be struggling to support them, or simply need some extra help. These sweet ladies picked up some much needed items for their cats!

• Graycie loved all the toys, cat castle and bed that were sent to her.Enrichment for the cats help them to feel less stressed and then are happier and friendlier when families come to adopt. "The bigger impact of this grant which will be a long term benefit is helping free up precious funding to further provide more of the much needed programs and services in the community. We are seeing an increased community need for our many programs and services, including our pet retention work to keep people, pets, and families together. There is an ever increasing demand for help in the community, and our many programs and services are here to help" -Jerry Alan Dominicak of Souixland Humane Society.

• John Anderson of the Arizona Human Society shares Pandora's story: Pandora was discovered abandoned by her mother and littermates. Given her premature size and age, a good samaritan took her to the Arizona Humane Society. Pandora was quickly admitted to the Bottle Baby Intensive CareUnit (BBICU), which is one of the very few facilities in Arizona that provides life-saving care to under-aged kittens who have been abandoned by their mother. Within a matter of weeks, Pandora had gained plenty of weight and was  waiting for her forever family. While awaiting her spay surgery, our staff and volunteers used a wand toy that was sent to keep her entertained and she was a huge fan! This toy allowed her to put her natural hunting instincts to the test, which is especially important for kittens like Pandora that do not have littermates to socialize with and learn from. Only a few days after her spay surgery, Pandora was quickly adopted by her forever family.

Other important information:

• You will not receive a shipment from this purchase. We will facilitate the donation directly with qualifying organizations your behalf.
• You will be charged all required taxes for your location. Save your receipt and consult your tax professional to determine if you're able to claim this purchase as a tax-deductible donation expense.
• GreaterGood has ultimate authority and discretion with regard to the distribution of Benefit Buy contributions based upon what the receiving organization needs the most. We will always contribute products of equal or greater value. Contributions may be distributed as cash or may be used to help other charity partners depending on the greatest need.
  
• GreaterGood is proud to help provide this opportunity to support animals in need. We are 20 Years Strong, and we couldn't have done it without your support--thank you!