Animal Rescue League of Iowa: Cat Enrichment Grant Report

How did this grant help your organization and the pets in your care?

To purchase cat scratchers that provide enrichment and the opportunity to exhibit normal behaviors for the cats and kittens in our care at the Animal Rescue League of Iowa.

In 2020, the ARL cared for 6,045 homeless cats and kittens. We are grateful to have the space and foster programs to care for the cats and kittens until they are adopted (we do not euthanize for space or time, only for suffering or severe behavioral issues). In addition to the basics of food, water, and medical care, we provide enrichment items for the cats' and kittens' benefit while they are in our care.

Because of this grant, we were able to purchase a bulk supply of 1,000 cat scratchers. The cats love them and the staff enjoys providing the scratchers for the cats. We also send the scratchers home with the cats or kittens when they are adopted so they have something familiar to help with their transition.

How many pets did this grant help?

1,000

Please provide a story of one or more specific pets this grant helped.

Billy Boss came into our care as a stray from the city of Des Moines. As we worked to move him towards adoption, our medical team tested him for FIV and found out he was positive. Our veterinary team determined he was in good health, so he was neutered and made available for adoption with a waiver informing potential adopters of the positive FIV test and providing information about what that means for him and other potential resident cats.

Sometimes the cats (and dogs) with special needs take a bit longer to get adopted, and that was the case with Billy Boss. But once our Facebook administrator posted his photo in the thank-you post for the cat scratchers (third photo), Billy Boss was adopted the same day!