Reading to Cats Program
The Reading to Cats Program is a literacy initiative encouraging children to read to cats at Greenhill who are awaiting adoption.
The Reading to Cats Program is a literacy initiative for children under 12. This program helps children develop their reading skills and their sense of compassion. They will learn about animal-savvy behavior and volunteerism. It also provides enrichment for our cats and helps them learn to trust children and adults through calm, positive interactions.
For children over 12, click here to learn about our volunteer opportunities!)
Thank you for your interest in our Reading Program! See below for program details and how to sign up.
Program Details and Requirements
Prior to your arrival
- Please sign up for your visit at the booking link below. Each session is a maximum of 60 minutes.
- There is no fee for the program, but we do accept donations. Click (here) to make a donation for the program!
- You will sign up as a parent & child team. Parents are expected to remain with their child the entire time.
- We have books to borrow on site or you may bring books.
When you arrive
- Please check in with the front office.
- Please sanitize your hands before interacting with a new cat.
- Please review the Cat Body Language Diagram with your child. Pay special attention to the way a cat's ears and tail show how they feel. If you are uncertain about a cat's body language, a Greenhill representative will be happy to assist you.
- You will be introduced to a variety of cats with help from a friendly staff member or volunteer.
During your visit
- Please supervise your child closely and look for signs that the cat is enjoying the visit or may be stressed. Animals can be unpredictable, and we hope this will be a good experience for everyone.
- Your child is welcome to read in any portion of the Cattery Adoption Floor that does not have a red, orange, or yellow sign stating staff/volunteer only OR a green sign stating No kids.
- Please allow cats to approach at their pace. Please do not pick up, drag or attempt to move the cats. A happy cat may come to you for touch or may sit close by to listen.
- If a visitor is interested in the cat you are reading to, we may ask you and your child to select a different cat to allow an adoption to be prioritized.
- Please sanitize your hands before visiting a new cat.
To help your child understand what cats prefer, we’ve included a Cat Body Language Diagram at this link. Please review it and pay special attention to the way a cat’s ears and tail show you how they feel. If you are uncertain about a cat’s body language, a Greenhill representative will be happy to assist you.
Thank you for participating in our reading program! Feel free to take photos and tag us on social media @GreenhillHumane. You will be asked to sign a waiver on your first visit. Have fun!
