Last year, Furry Friends spent $165,000 for medical costs for 520 cats, and this year, the organization’s marketing director Diane Stevens anticipates that number to grow closer to $200,000.
To help with those medical costs, Furry Friends is seeking items for its 15th annual auction fundraiser dubbed “HISS.” It will be held at the Heathman Lodge on Sept. 16.
“We’re dealing with a lot of hoarder kittens and cats this year, much more than we have in previous years,” Stevens said. “When we rescue cats from those situations, they’re always in pathetic condition. Some of them are near death or there’s even dead cats in the household.”
Furry Friends, a nonprofit, no-kill cat rescue that serves Clark County, generates a good chunk of its funding from auctions they hold throughout the year, which wouldn’t be possible without the donation of items. For the organization’s auction this fall, Furry Friends hopes to rack up some good items to help reach its goal of $75,000 at the event.
“We are especially looking for large ticket items such as trips, vacation places, experiences and expensive items,” a news release from Furry Friends stated. “We can always use more items that would appeal to men such as hunting, fishing, BBQ, camping, sports memorabilia, smart TVs, car items and services, tools and electronics.”
Furry Friends asks that donations be valued at $40 or more. They need to receive the items by Aug. 1. They have an Amazon wish list available for items they hope to secure. It can be found online at https://tinyurl.com/5fb2vv6n.
All of the funds made at the auction will go toward the care and housing of cats, stated the release.
The auctions are important for the organization since adoption costs per cat only cover a portion of the medical costs per animal. Stevens said it costs about $300 to $500 per kitten for medical services and noted the adoption fee is $180.
“The more money that we get, the more cats and kittens we can take in, and we would like to expand our shelter so that we can accommodate more kitties,” Stevens said.
Furry Friends recently rescued 70 cats and kittens from a hoarding situation. All 70 of those animals could go to new families after all of the proper medical steps are taken.
So far in 2023, Furry Friends is off to a record start with 214 cats and kittens being adopted out as of May 15.
On June 3, the nonprofit will hold its first adoption event since 2019. It will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at All Natural Pet Supply at 3425 SE 192nd Ave., Suite 108, in Vancouver. Kittens and cats that will be available for adoption will be on site, Stevens said.
To browse cats and kittens that are available for adoption, go online to furryfriendswa.org.
For other inquiries, contact Furry Friends by email at information@furryfriendswa.org or leave a message at 360-993-1097.
