Seattle Area Feline Rescue: Cat Enrichment Grant Report
How did this grant help your organization and the pets in your care?
The items purchased with the Petfinder Foundation grant have made a meaningful difference for many cats in our care, especially those who need extra support adjusting to the shelter environment before they’re ready for adoption. Shy or fearful cats often need time, patience, and the right tools to help them feel safe, build confidence, and learn to trust people. Thanks to this grant, we’ve been able to provide those resources and create more comfortable, cat-friendly spaces that support both physical and emotional well-being.
One of the key items we purchased was a five-nest Kuranda cat tower. While many cats do well in their enclosures, others benefit from more space to move, hide, or simply follow their instincts. In-office fostering, where a cat stays in the office of a staff member, gives these cats an alternative to traditional fostering. The Kuranda tower has become a part of this setup, offering height and enrichment for energetic cats, cozy perches for curious observers, and customizable hiding spots using blankets for shy kitties. It’s helped us create spaces that feel more like home and reduce stress for the cats who need it most.
We also used the grant to purchase two cat music speakers. We had previously seen the calming effects of one speaker and knew the value of this tool. These speakers play music scientifically designed to reduce stress in cats, and we now use them in rooms where cats are acclimating, whether they’ve just arrived at the rescue or are awaiting their adoption day. The soothing music has helped create a more peaceful environment for multiple cats at a time.
Lastly, a Samsung Galaxy tablet was purchased and will soon be integrated into our daily routines. We plan to use it to track enrichment activities, quickly update cat profiles, and play cat-friendly videos to support behavior modification work.
We’re so grateful to the Petfinder Foundation for making these improvements possible. Each of these items has contributed to a more positive shelter experience for the kitties in our care. Thank you for helping us give cats comfort and support on their way to loving homes.
How many pets did this grant help?
1,800
Please provide a story of one or more specific pets this grant helped.
Charlie first came to SAFe Rescue in January 2025 and was adopted just a few days later. Unfortunately, he was returned in February due to behavioral challenges. It quickly became clear that Charlie would need time, patience, and a quiet space to build trust. He was placed in a foster home to help him gain confidence, but he remained shy and fearful, avoiding human interaction. For a few months, his foster family supported him with care and compassion, but his best chance was to find a permanent home so he eventually returned to the Rescue.
At first, Charlie stayed in a standard enclosure, but we soon moved him into one of our offices where he had more room to roam and hide. Thanks to the Petfinder Foundation grant, we placed our new five-nest Kuranda cat tower in his space, which he immediately claimed as his own. With cozy blankets creating perches and hideaways, the tower became a safe retreat that helped ease his stress and encourage gentle exploration.
After a few weeks, Charlie met an adopter who was excited to earn his trust. With slow introductions and continued patience, Charlie began to settle in. Today, he’s blossomed into a loving, playful companion, and serves as proof of the life-changing impact that thoughtful accommodations and compassion can have. We’re so grateful to the Petfinder Foundation for helping to make this transformation possible, giving Charlie the comfort and security he needed to thrive.
