What is this Campaign for Cats all about?

We are very excited to be expanding our existing shelter to create more “feline friendly” housing options for our adoptable cats! Our goal is to create living spaces that maximize quality of life, minimize stress, reduce expenses, and increase the number of successful adoptions. Plans include building several new “Community Rooms” where small groups of cats will share the benefits of natural sunlight, outdoor views, & healthy activity. Check out the building plans!

Why is cage-free better?

Cage free = more active, socialized, healthier, happier cats leading to faster, more successful adoptions!

Cage-free is better for our cats
Designs for our “cage-free cat rooms” are based on best practices at state-of-the-art facilities to improve the overall health of the animals by providing a more natural living space to exercise, play, and socialize with other cats. Experience and studies have shown certain behavioral issues that can arise from living in a caged environment are less common when cats are in a free-roaming, shared living space with other cats. And, since stress is directly related to the strength of a cat’s immune system, cage free cats experience less upper respiratory infection which is frequently a major concern and expense for animal shelters to control.

Cage-free is better for potential adopters
Cage-free cat rooms provide a more relaxed, comfortable setting for potential adopters to observe and interact with our cats. When cats are in a less stressful environment, they can express their true character for a better “purr-sonality” match with potential adopters and smoother adjustment from shelter life to their fur-ever home life.

Why change traditional cat living spaces?

Cats living in free-roaming cat rooms is not a new concept – it has been around for years in some shelters. Lately, a greater number of shelters are moving their adoptable cats out of cages and into more open spaces. Cage-free cat rooms are part of many state-of-the art facilities and improve the overall health of the cats by providing a more natural living space to exercise, play, and socialize with cats and people. This may be done by providing perches, walkways, cubbies, and several litter areas. Providing the maximum amount of natural light and fresh air also improves their living conditions. As we design each room, our goal will be to create an interesting, comfortable, safe, easy-to-clean environment for our cats and potential adopters to spend quality time getting to know each other. See and Learn More>>

Why is this project a priority now for the HSLC?

This project has been part of our long term plan for quite some time as we continually look for ways to improve living conditions and adoption rates for the homeless pets in our care. We received a generous donation from a Livingston County resident who was an animal lover and long time supporter of the HSLC. The money was designated for an additional area where cats could get exercise and a break from the cages in which they are housed while at the shelter. After evaluating ways to make this happen, we arrived at the plan for the cage-free living space as the best alternative. This special donation will cover more than one-third of the cost for this project. We are grateful for this opportunity to move forward now and anxious to give our adoptable cats the best possible life they deserve! Read more about our donors>>

When will the new cat rooms be ready?

Estimated timeline for the project
Campaign “Kick Off” and fundraising begins Construction of new cage-free rooms Grand Opening of new cat rooms Evaluation to re-purpose existing cat room	October 2010 Fall 2011 / Winter 2012 Spring / Summer 2012 2012

Does this mean the HSLC will be able to take care of more cats?

Each new cat room is designed to accommodate an average of 6-10 adult cats per room. We are currently able to care for over 100 cats and kittens within our shelter. Once the new addition is completed, we will begin to transition our adoptable cats to the new rooms and evaluate alternatives to optimize our existing cat room. We fully expect this approach will increase adoption rates because our cats will find permanent homes faster. Our goal is for each cat to spend less time in our shelter, so we will be able to care for a higher number of cats over time.

How will you “transition” cats to the new rooms?

All cats entering a shared, cat room colony MUST be up-to-date on all preventative medical treatments, spayed/neutered, and in good health. New cats will be placed in the most suitable colony to fit their personality and carefully observed to ensure minimal stress and disruption to existing cats in the room. The capacity for number of cats and visitors in each room may vary and will be controlled to avoid overcrowding and stress for the animals. Our staff will follow best practices to ensure the rooms remain sanitized and closely monitor the condition of each cat. Results will be evaluated for a period of time before considering options for possible reconstruction or re-purposing of our existing cat housing area.

What will be done with the existing cat room and cages?

While many of our adoptable cats will enjoy benefits from the new “cage-free” environment, some will still require, or even prefer, individual cages including cats quarantined for initial intake, medical observation and recovery, or health related risks. We also intend to improve conditions for our quarantined cats by providing additional cage space with perches or “hiding cubbies” to help reduce the stress of arriving new at the shelter or being held for medical reasons.

How much will it cost to build and maintain the additional cat rooms?

The estimate to build and furnish the new addition including five cat rooms and a central atrium area is over $95,000. We expect the cost to maintain the new cat rooms will actually be less compared to the existing cat cages which will help reduce our annual operating expenses.

How can I help?

There are many ways you can support this campaign…

Donate what you can… every dollar helps! Stop by our shelter or donate securely on line using the "Paws to Donate" button on this page. Or, print and mail this Campaign Donation Form to us with your check or credit card information.
Ask us about options to sponsor a cat room or purchase a custom engraved tile as a permanent display of your support. We can also set up a planned giving program.
Join our email list and follow us on Facebook or Bonnie's Blog or stop by to keep updated on our campaign progress. Then, tell your friends! Help us connect with other people in our community who care about homeless pets by sharing the good news about our mission and benefits of this project.
Come visit our shelter to spend time with our adoptable cats and let them know how much you care!

For more FAQs about the HSLC, refer to our web site: http://www.humane-livingston.org/FAQs.htm