Magic is real. Miracles do happen. At Gifford Cat Shelter, we’ve watched the transformation of thousands of cats, and each time, we know this to be true. In their eyes, we have seen fear turn into trust, sadness into hope, and pain into love. We have seen that caring for another soul can help shepherd stray, abused, and unwanted cats to their forever homes. The hands that reach out to comfort, offer food, water, and veterinary care, order cans of food and boxes of litter, and supply the resources that keep Gifford Cat Shelter going are what keep them from an unforgiving life on the street. We couldn’t do this without you. Thank you for always supporting them. As we head into the busy summer months, we once again ask for your support so that we can save as many cats and kittens as possible. Please, donate today to help us help cats. You can help cats like Belly, Jacque, and Ashley. Initially rescued from a supermarket parking lot and cared for by a fellow Massachusetts shelter for months, we were asked if we had space in one of our free-roam rooms for them to get out of a cage. We were happy to help. Initially, the three nearly identical siblings wanted nothing to do with us, refusing even to leave their transport carriers. Then, despite having access to numerous comfortable nooks and crannies, windows, and beds, all three migrated into one covered cat bed, a space that would have been a snug fit for just two cats. So, we set to work. Our socialization team, including staff and volunteers, spent time with them every day, speaking quietly to them and offering toys, treats, and gentle reassurance with each visit. The first small victory was when they decided they didn’t need to pile on top of each other for safety, and each picked their own favorite spot to be cozy. Next, we started to see them out in the open, waiting for breakfast, though they still kept their distance when we entered their room. Belly had his big breakthrough when he took over the window seat and, living up to his name, started rolling onto his back for belly rubs from calm, trusted humans. Realizing he wasn’t bonded with his siblings, we decided to capitalize on Belly’s socialization progress. We introduced him to Brooke, a possible adopter who saw his potential but was aware there would be difficult work ahead to make the transition successful. Over the next several months, our behavior support team had routine calls with Brooke, helping her to establish and nurture a relationship with Belly and a relationship between Belly and the resident cat, Nugget. The first time we heard that Belly had requested pets was magical. When we were told our routine phone calls were no longer needed, we knew a forever home had been found. With their big brother home, Ashley and Jacque continued making strides at the shelter. They started playing with wand toys, accepting treats, and allowing slow pets. When we started looking for an adopter for them, we knew it would have to be someone willing and able to offer them patient support during the transition home. Alexis and Chris were those pet parents. After a lifetime of caring for cats of all kinds, they were happy to give Ashley and Jacque the time they needed to flourish and also gratefully accepted the post-adoption support that Gifford offers to help them build on the successes seen at the shelter. Now named Pannonica and Darius Meow, the two enjoy exploring and playing in their home, and every day they get closer to their new mom and dad, building mutual trust. Success stories like Belly, Jacque, and Ashley’s exemplify Gifford Cat Shelter’s dedication to helping cats get into homes. While it is true that not every cat in our care needs this level of socialization and post-adoption support, every cat in our care does need support in some way. We are committed to giving them whatever care, time, and attention they need to be their best selves for potential adopters and in their adoptive homes. Supporters like you allow us to give each cat the individualized attention they need. You are the reason that Belly, Jacque, and Ashley won’t be relegated to a life of hiding, terrified, in the back of a room. You are the reason they get to spend tonight in warm, safe homes with people who love them. You are the reason we see trust, hope, and love in Belly, Jacque, and Ashley’s eyes - and those of their adopters. We thank you for all you’ve done so far and ask that you continue to help us in 2025 to send hundreds more cats into compassionate homes, where they can live the lives they deserve. Your donation, no matter the size, makes a world of difference in the lives of our sheltered cats and kittens. Please act now; your gift directly supports our efforts to offer safety, care, and unwavering love to each and every cat who comes through our doors. Thank you for believing in our mission and being part of the Gifford family. Please give what you can! Please donate here to help us help cats! ➡https://www.giffordcatshelter.org/donate (fb)

Jasper is living his best life in his forever home, and his adopters couldn’t be more smitten. ✨ “Jasper is doing GREAT since we adopted him a month ago. We are so in love with him and he really makes the house a home. He is very curious, playful and friendly! His favorite spot is on his window hammock where he can watch all the neighborhood happenings. He loves checking on us at 4am, 4:30, 5, 5:30… but we love him still! We are so happy we adopted him from Gifford :)” We LOVE hearing about our alumni thriving in their new lives. If you’ve adopted from Gifford, we’d love to hear from you too! 💌 📸 Share your update here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfMVze_egtj1dhhMb0kWeAGlBm3kKlqrqCwMf9-j-jMMKZPnQ/viewform (fb)