18 Donations Cat Rescues Need Most

Cat rescues and animal shelters are vital organizations that provide care and protection for stray, abandoned, and neglected animals. Many shelters and rescues rely heavily on generous donations from the community to provide for the needs of the animals in their care and in the community.

It’s important to note that while rescues and shelters need supplies, they oftentimes can’t use broken or extremely dirty items or expired and dented cans of food. If you’re doing some house cleaning, consider donating the animal supplies that are in good condition that you no longer use.

Most cat rescues and animal shelters will always need these items. Here are the 18 most common items that cat rescues request.

1. Food and food bowls: High-quality cat food is important and expensive. Check with your rescue organization about what type of food they prefer or need. Also, make sure to check the expiration date before donating and check with the rescue before donating dented canned pet food. Food and water bowls are also always needed!
2. Litter and litter boxes: Cat litter and litter boxes are crucial items that shelters need to keep the animals sanitary and comfortable. Being rescued can be stressful, and it often comes with a new diet, which also contributes to the need for high-quality cat litter.
3. Bedding: Providing animals with comfortable bedding is essential to their overall well-being. Clean and comfortable bedding makes a huge difference in the happiness of shelter kitties. Blankets and towels can always be used at shelters. Consider good quality items like 100% cotton, which is preferred to synthetic fabrics.
4. Heating pads: Most shelters use heating pads for kittens or animals who are recovering from illness, surgery, or injury. Heating pads that have settings so the temperature can be adjusted and monitored, as well as ones with machine-washable covers, make great donations.
5. Toys: Animals love to play! Toys are important to keep animals mentally and physically stimulated while in the shelter. Shelters also use toys to help socialize shy or feral cats and kittens. Feathers, laser pointers, balls, and kickers are all favorites of cats. Toys can help keep the animals active and engaged, which can help reduce stress and prevent boredom.
6. Carriers, kennels, and playpens: Carriers and kennels are necessary for the safe transportation and housing of animals in a shelter. Shelters and rescues usually have at least one carrier for each cat in their care in the case of emergencies. If you have an extra cat carrier or pet kennel in good shape, consider donating it to your local shelter!
7. Traps and trap supplies: TNR cat rescue groups always need traps to help manage community cats. Traps can be purchased for donation or donated directly from a pet owner who no longer needs them. Trap supplies such as trap mats and dividers are also in short supply. Here are some of the most popular cat traps TNR rescues use.
8. Pee pads: Pee pads always come in handy, especially during transportation or acclimating animals to their new foster homes.
9. Cleaning supplies: Keeping a shelter clean is crucial to preventing illness and the spread of disease. Shelters often request cleaning supplies such as disinfectants, paper towels, and laundry detergent donations. These supplies are used for cleaning kennels, which helps to control odors and prevent the spread of common viruses.
10. Cat trees and scratchers: Every cat loves a good scratching tree, especially shelter cats! Extra cat trees your cats no longer use make great donations to your local animal shelter. The taller and bigger, the better!
11. Microchips: Many rescues and shelters will microchip the cats before adoption or release from the trap and return. Microchips can be purchased for donation and given to rescues and shelters. You can find a five-pack of pet microchips and an injector on Amazon or your shelter’s Amazon Wishlist.
12. Transport for animals: If you have a car, truck, or van, you can volunteer your time to help transport cats to vet appointments or other arrangements. Transportation is very time-consuming and challenging for shelters or smaller rescues. You can also donate Lyft or Uber gift cards to your local rescue to help them transport animals!
13. Colony care and feeding: Some rescue organizations will provide food, water, and other necessities to cats living in an outdoor community feral colony. Consider becoming a volunteer feeder for your local cat colony and help care for them by providing food, water, and love! Community cat caretakers can always use food and dishes for their colonies.
14. Feeding stations for community cats: Feeding stations help keep food off the ground and provide the cats with a sheltered place to eat and gather. Find out what feeding stations your shelter might need, and head to the DIY store for supplies!
15. Winter shelters for outdoor cats: Providing outdoor cats with a warm and dry place to sleep during winter helps keep them healthy, safe, and sound. You can purchase one or even build your own outdoor cat shelters and offer them to local colonies in need. It’s a fun DIY project that helps cats!
16. Office supplies: Animal rescues are organizations that operate like any other business. They need office supplies like paper, printer ink, sticky notes, and plastic bags, just like any other business.
17. Monetary donations: While supplies are important, donating money oftentimes helps a shelter the most. Money is always needed to cover the cost of veterinary care, medical bills, spaying and neutering, and other necessary expenses. Monetary donations also allow shelters to purchase items as needed rather than being limited to donated items. If you don’t have cash, consider donating gift cards or other items of value, like making a car donation!
18. Help in any way you can! You may be able to create some crafts for the rescue, help paint the shelter, or even take pictures of kittens. There are many ways you can use your own skills and passions to help cats!

Animal shelters constantly need donations to provide for the needs of the animals in their care. These supplies ensure the pets have the nutrition, comfort, stimulation, and medical care to stay healthy and happy while waiting for their forever homes.

Different Types of Cat Rescue Organizations

Cat rescues come in many forms, each with a dedicated purpose and mission. Some of the most common types of rescues are TNR programs, cat rescue groups, foster networks, animal shelters, and sanctuaries. Different rescues might need different supplies, but you can usually find an organization that can benefit from your donation.

If you are a pet lover but can’t donate pet supplies or make a monetary donation, you can always volunteer at local animal shelters, participate in adoption events, or adopt a pet to your forever family!