Shelter Is Looking For Volunteers To Help Knit Blankets For Cats

At the RSPCA Friern Barnet Adoption Center, the staff have an incredibly sweet tradition. Every time the facility receives a new cat, they are immediately given their own knitted blanket. Many of the cats that come through these doors have experienced very sad and very lonely lives, therefore, giving them something comforting that is entirely their own is crucial to helping them gain their confidence back.

Nicole Grover, a worker at the RSPCA Friern Barnet Adoption Center, released a press statement according to The Dodo that said, “It’s something warm and cozy for them to curl up on in their pods and when they find their forever homes it means they have something to take with them with a familiar scent. This helps [make] the transition from our center to their new home much easier and less stressful.”

Because the shelter doesn’t want these cats to go without their own blanket, they are appealing to the public for help. And since we’re all in a pandemic anyway and can’t go outside, what better time than now to help out cats in need by knitting some blankets?

Nicole said, “While there are lots of people spending more time at home during the current coronavirus lockdown we thought it would be a great opportunity for anyone who knits or crochets — or fancies giving it a try — to make some beautiful blankets for our lovely cats.”

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If you are interested in helping out, then know that the knitted blankets that the shelter is asking for are typically between 30 to 40 centimeters, or 12 to 16 inches in size. Additionally, they need to be constructed from machine-washable yarn. For those knitters who are a little more experienced in their craft, the shelter also wouldn’t turn down some handmade mice toys or other dangly toys in order to help keep the kitties entertained while they wait for someone to offer them a forever home.

“Our fab volunteers Chris and Vicky have made 54 blankets for us in the past year, 20 crochet mouse toys and 12 string toys which have also been really popular,” Nicole shared.

Definitely consider helping the shelter out since not only will you be doing something wonderful by providing comfort to shelter cats but you’ll also have something to keep you occupied during the quarantine. If you do end up knitting blankets for kitties in need, you can mail the donations to Pets At Home, Friern Bridge Retail Park, Pegasus Way, Friern Barnet, London N11 3PW.