Designing With a Purpose...

To Get our Shelter Cats Adopted Faster

Our design philosophy is simple – give our shelter cats more room to do the things cats like (and need) to do – play, climb, perch and watch the world go by. Research has shown that cats residing in larger enclosures that provide ample space for these activities are happier, healthier and get adopted faster.

Artist's rendering of Interior Cat Room Expansion
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Our new, larger kitty suites will allow adopters to learn more about the cats as they watch them play and interact with each other. Imagine being able to watch as a kitty dashes up a cat tree in hot pursuit of another furry feline, or being able to spend time in one of our multi-cat suites while petting all the residents (and probably having more than one rub against your ankles).

Floor Plan for our New Cat Room
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Each kitty suite will accommodate up to 5 cats, be equipped with a window for sunning and bird watching, and provide lots of places for cats to climb, perch, play and sleep!

It's Not Just About the Kitty Suites

While we're really excited about our new cat room addition, we'll also be making some needed changes to the existing cat room and shelter facilities.

• For our timid kitties who aren’t quite ready to reside in a suite with other cats, we’ve reserved a “shy kitty area” that will allow volunteers and staff to work with them to improve their socialization and confidence before moving them into one of the kitty suites.
• Not all of our shelter cats will be able to reside in one of our spacious kitty suites. A number are on special diets, others have medical conditions that require separation from other cats, while some - like the actress Marlene Dietrich - “just want to be alone”. We haven’t forgotten these special kitties – we’ll be purchasing roomy new cages that double the size of those currently used at the shelter. Those kitties that have to stay in a cage will have lots more room to move around, play, and even perch on a special shelf that’s provided. Each cage is equipped with a porthole divider that allows litter boxes to be kept separate from food and sleeping areas.
• We’re planning a “kitty kitchen” that provides room for storage and food preparation

Shelter Exterior with the New Catroom Expansion
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