Animal Rescue League of Iowa, Inc.: Stretch and Scratch Cat Scratchers Grant Report

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

The Animal Rescue League of Iowa, Inc. (ARL) received a grant of Stretch and Scratch cat scratchers for the enrichment of the cats in our care as they wait to be available for adoption, and in adoption.

In 2013 the ARL took in over 7,000 cats and kittens in our shelter and sadly we do not anticipate our intake numbers to be reduced dramatically (but hopefully lower -- our many community outreach programs efforts are focused on reducing the number of intakes and to help keep pets in their homes). With so many cats/kittens in our care and the reality of them being in stainless steel kennels (for disease and germ control) we recognize that the kennels do not provide enrichment and stimulation opportunities for the cats/kittens. The ARL gratefully uses the Stretch and Scratch cat scratchers for the stimulation and enrichment of the cats/kittens which reduces boredom, stress and illness.

How many pets did this grant help?

3,000

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

Carter is an adult cat who came to the ARL with an old injury to his right rear leg; he had surgery to repair the injury and was on cage rest and now has limited activity. The Stretch and Scratch cat scratcher has provided Carter with much comfort and stimulation and we are sure it helped him to heal and remain happy and content during his restriction.