This Shelter Needs Your Help Knitting Blankets For Cats In Need

Whenever a new cat arrives at the RSPCA Friern Barnet Adoption Center, they’re immediately presented with their very own knitted blanket. A lot of cats brought to shelters have had rough lives, and getting something right away that’s all their own is so special and important. 

“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,” Nicole Grover, who works at the RSPCA Friern Barnet Adoption Center, said in a press release. “This helps [make] the transition from our center to their new home much easier and less stressful.” 

The shelter is always looking for more blankets so they can make sure that no cat ever has to go without one — and now they’re calling on everyone who is stuck at home to help out. 

“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,” Grover said. 

The shelter is looking for knitted blankets that are around 30 to 40 centimeters (12 to 16 inches) in size, and are made out of machine-washable yarn. They’ll also accept homemade mice and dangly toys, to help keep the cats entertained as they wait for their forever families to find them. 

 “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,” Grover said. 

Not only are these blankets and toys a huge comfort to the cats who receive them, but making them also gives everyone stuck at home something to do and a way to help some adorable cats in need.