Big Island Cat-Adoption Clinic Receives Donation

A non-profit organization dedicated to help manage the pet population on the Big Island has been chosen to receive a $2,500 donation from the Purina Cat Chow “Building Better Lives” program.

Hui Pono Holoholona was among 50 shelters selected nationwide – one in each state — that focus on cat adoption. Each will receive $2,000 in cash and $500 worth of cat food.

The Mountain View-based shelter periodically provides low-cost spay and neuter clinics. The next one is scheduled for Aug. 21.

Purina has also begun a campaign to solicit stories of cat rescues which could lead to a donation of up to $50,000 to The Petfinder Foundation to help support future cat adoption fees.

The company is asking the public to share their stories with the brand’s social media channels (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram) using the hashtag #myrescuestory. Purina said it will make the donation if at least 1,500 stories are submitted by Sept. 2.

The Building Better Lives program also involves $50,000 renovations of three cat shelters in Colorado, Arkansas and Minnesota.

Program officials say more than 3.4 million cats enter shelters nationwide annually, and only 1.3 million find homes.