Holiday Help for Needy Cats

Would you like to give a gift to your favorite cat person, and at the same time, make a difference in the universe of cats and other animals? These non-profit organizations make that all possible, with a win-win situation for everyone involved, especially the cats who are helped. I've visited several of these organizations for my shopping needs year-round, and they make the holidays especially meaningful, for both me and the recipients.

• Best Friends Holiday Story
• HSUS Holiday Gift Donation
• ASPCA Gift Store
• American Humane Holiday Cards
• Tabby's Place Virtual Gift Baskets

Lance Wolf and Laura Wands are two people with huge hearts, and a boundless love for cats. They share their Illinois home with a number of cats they have personally rescued and nurtured.

I met Lance on my About.com Cats Forum many years ago, and have ordered his Kitty Blankies for my own cats and as gifts, for several years. Every penny of profit is donated to the Alton Area Animal Aid Association, in Alton, IL. The photo shown here is my calico cat, Jenny, asleep on one of the Christmas Blankies I bought a few years ago. It is one of the "double" models, the main fabric is red on one side and green on the other.

If you don't know where your local shelter is, Petfinder.com has a handy shelter-locator tool.

Although I usually do not recommend giving a cat as a gift during the holidays, if you have room in your home and your heart for another one, you will make a huge different to that cat, and reap the mutual rewards for years. For an added slice of joy, consider adopting a senior cat, or a special needs cat.

Iams Home 4 the Holidays program, which partners with 3,400 shelters and rescues around the world, is hoping to increase the number of participating shelters to 4,000 this year. You can find a list of participating shelters on the Iams Home 4 the Holidays web site.