C Alley Cats of Lake Wallenpaupack: Kia Pet Adoption Grant Report
How did this grant help your organization and the pets in your care?
The KIA Pet Adoption Grant allowed us to successfully rehome eight adult cats. The average length of stay in foster care for this group was 392 days, more than double the average for all the adults adopted in CY 2024 to date and 27% higher than the average for all of CY 2023.
We were also able to introduce two new programs: Foster-to-adopt and a no-cost adoption of FeLV+ cats. Although none of the adoptions resulted from these two programs, we did have interest from several seniors for the foster-to-adopt option. It is likely that this program will help us to move some of our shy adults out of a busy foster home into an environment where they will receive one-on-one attention in the future.
Of the eight cats adopted, three had been in foster care for over a year and two of those three for over two years.
How many pets did this grant help?
Eight, with the long-term hope that the foster-to-adopt program will see other shy adults find homes in the near future.
Please provide a story of one or more specific pets this grant helped.
Milky Way (first photo) came into foster care at 12 weeks of age. Coming into care an older kitten, it took longer for Milky Way to socialize. He was shy, which made it difficult for potential adopters to see how sweet he was — he was overshadowed by the more outgoing kittens and adults.
As he grew older and bigger, it only became more difficult to attract an adopter. The KIA Pet Adoption Grant helped our shyer, longer-term fosters to shine and provided just the extra push needed for Milky Way.
Milky Way found his forever home on Aug. 2, 2024 — just over two years after he was rescued as a kitten.
Whispurr (second photo) came into foster care as an adult, part of a large trap, neuter, and return project. While Whispurr was recovering from her spay procedure, it was noted that she was friendly and had a good chance of being adopted.
Two and a half years later, this cat, who was sweet and playful, but terribly shy in new situations, was still waiting for her forever home. That day came thanks to the KIA Pet Adoption Grant.
