This weekend I started my volunteer gig at a cat shelter, Purrfect Pals in Arlington, Washington, a few miles north of my house. They are a no-kill shelter whose motto is Every Cat Matters, and they sure do put that into practice! My work is very free-form, no set schedule and no set duties, other than grooming and just being with the kitties. They have many different “rooms” where the cats live, and that includes cats who have illnesses like Feline Leukemia. Every cat is loved, fed, watered, played-with, and catered to. Here are some of the kitties and their surroundings.

Even the grounds say “CATS”! There are paws and prints everywhere.

Most kitty rooms have outdoor spaces called “catios” where they can lie in the sun or play.

This little lady was the first cat I sat with. She is called Matcha, and looks pretty scruffy. But I think she was glad to see me and she let me pet her. I just sat quietly and let her roam.

I went into a bigger room, and played with the cats there. This little guy is Sassy Pants, and he sure lived up to his name.

I think it’s going to take me a while to remember everybody’s name. This little gal was a spitfire, running around a lot.

Outside in the lobby I found this beautiful girl snuggled up in her bed on a bench. I have to say, I almost missed her on the way in. I thought she had the most beautiful coloring. Kitty Purrey is her name, and she lived up to it with a rumble.

Next, I went upstairs and visited the cats who are, well, overweight! Most everybody was friendly, but this big girl was the friendliest. She’s Big Ella, and she is big! But she took a liking to me and jumped right into my lap.

Tigger was the one who came out to see me first, and he has a purr that’s as big as he is!

I will be going up there every week while I’m home, and I look forward to meeting more of the cats. Eventually, I will choose my next cats there, as I know they will have had the very best of care!