Bay State Animal Cooperative: Cat Enrichment Grant Report
How did this grant help your organization and the pets in your care?
The generous grant the Petfinder Foundation awarded made it possible for us to replenish our collection of enrichment items. We asked the foster parents for their requests that would replace well-worn items with new ones with the goal of enhancing our guests’ comfort, happiness, and health.
We are thrilled to report that we succeeded in our goal! The cats in our care, both adoptable and unadoptable, are enjoying the toys, beds, stairs, and other purchases and are happier and more relaxed and confident than before, and we and they couldn't be more delighted.
How many pets did this grant help?
9
Please provide a story of one or more specific pets this grant helped.
Lovey (first photo) is an FIV/Felv-positive youngster. Bay State rescued him from another shelter that was going to put him down. He is doing great in his long-term foster home with Jackie, his foster mom.
Jackie saw that Lovey had lots of energy and burned it off by being mischievous. When we asked her how the grant money could provide enrichment for Lovey, she requested a hide-and-seek toy so he could put his hunting instincts to work.
Lovey has a lot of fun using his new interactive toy. He plays with it until he exhausts himself and has to take a nap. Quality of life, exercise, and great stimulation: accomplished. Being mischievous: minimized.
Earl (second photo), his foster brother who is not available for adoption, loves pats and has a cardiac issue that requires twice-daily medication. He is also a cat of advanced years, although you would not know it from his energy. Lydia, his foster mom, saw that it was a bit difficult to get Earl interested in play. She requested a food puzzle and now he has fun figuring out how to get to the treats, with Lydia giving him pointers when needed.
Lydia observed Earl trying to jump up on her bed, sometimes succeeding and sometimes not. She requested cat stairs to help make this easier for him and now he is able to climb up and join her there.
JR (third photo) is a long-term foster who has been with us for over 12 years. During that time, he has slowly come to learn that humans are pretty great. He is also with Lydia. She noticed that JR is a big fan of eating and has been known to eat quickly and then help himself to Earl’s food. Lydia requested a lick mat to slow him down so he sticks to his own food portions. He also enjoys the stimulation of his new mat, which can help an old man breathe by keeping his tongue clean.
Pineapple (fourth photo) is a sweet boy who originally hails from the sunshine state of Florida and traveled all the way to Massachusetts to find his forever home. BSAC had him examined and found that he needs to have his teeth removed and may need his tail amputated since it got degloved at some point during his life outdoors. (BSAC will take care of these issues.)
After an unfortunate false start with his previous owner, Pineapple found his way to us and we are so excited to get him on his way to his happily-ever-after home. He loves people and will be your new best friend! He wastes no time curling up on an empty lap and appreciates love and attention from admiring humans. Lynn, his foster mom, requested a new cat tree for times when people aren’t available so he can cuddle up there and feel relaxed and warm.
Pineapple is the one cat of the four who is adoptable. The others are long-term fosters who are not currently ready to be adopted, so they aren’t posted on our Petfinder page. You can meet Pineapple here.
