A new kind of book club at the Austin Humane Society
By Jennifer Hayes, Best Friends Staff
School may be out, but the learning has not stopped at the
Austin Humane Society (AHS). The shelter recently introduced a Reading to Cats program for the summer. Children from six to ten years of age are encouraged to sign up for this innovative and beneficial weekly event.
It is a win-win for both the kids and the cats. The children get an opportunity to read books to the cats, who happily listen without any criticism and the fortunate felines receive some extra socialization on a day when the shelter is normally closed to the public. AHS marketing intern Kevyn Reed describes it as “personal time for the cats.”
To participate, the adult and child must attend a short orientation held on Saturdays at the shelter. There they learn about cat behavior and how to best interact with their feline roommates.
Thereafter, they can sign up for 30 minute time slots between 3:30 to 6:00 p.m. on Tuesdays. Already the shelter has “regulars” who come every week. The AHS provides books or you can bring your own reading materials – the cats truly do not mind, although word on the street is that they prefer
The Cat in the Hat over
The Pokey Little Puppy. The rooms are open to the public the rest of the week and can get rather busy and loud. Reed noted of Tuesday’s reading program, “It helps sooth the cats and socialize them with people in a more personal setting.”
Since the shelter has three cat rooms housing their adult felines, audience members are far from lacking. In fact, in addition to helping socialize the cats, it is hoped that the extra exposure they are now receiving may result in some bonus adoptions. “We try to get the word out that they are sweet and loveable and adoptable too,” Reed commented.
The program rollout is perfect, considering the AHS is also offering
reduced feline adoption fees for the summer.
The program has proved to be so successful; they hope to extend it to the fall.
HOW YOU CAN HELP:1. Sign your children up today to participate in Reading to Cats. Phone Lisa Starr at 512-646-7387 ext. 110 or e-mail her at
LStarr@austinhumanesociety.org to schedule an orientation appointment.
2. Consider adding a new feline companion for your family. You can choose from many wonderful
adoptable cats from the AHS.
Austin Humane Society124 West Anderson Lane
Austin, Texas 78752
Phone: 512-646-PETS (7387)
For more information:•
KEYETV: Reading to Cats (click on the link on the left side of the page titled, Feline Reading At The Austin Humane Society)
Best Friends Animal Society also has an employee who volunteers her time to read to the Sanctuary cats every week. You can read about her weekly encounters with the kitties in her blog,
Readin’ With My Furries.
Photo credit: photos courtesy of the Austin Humane Society