LANE COUNTY, OREGON – (April 8, 2025) –Greenhill Humane Society is hosting a Cattery Open House on Sunday, April 13 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. for those interested in learning more about volunteering and fostering cats. This is a free event that is open to everyone.

“We are seeing an increase in mama cats and kittens coming to the shelter and need more animal lovers to join our volunteer team,” said Kelly Fleischmann, Greenhill’s Community Engagement Manager. “As summer approaches, thousands of vulnerable cats will need our help. This open house is a great opportunity to learn about what it is like to become a volunteer or foster parent for cats. Greenhill provides all the training and materials needed, plus there is an endless supply of kitten cuddles!”

During the Cattery Open House, guests will receive a tour of Greenhill’s feline housing and learn more about volunteering and fostering.

Typically, in Spring and Summer Greenhill sees a surge in kittens being born. The shelter has already seen an increase in pregnant cats coming to the shelter and anticipates providing support to thousands of kittens in need of medical treatment, nourishment, and lots of TLC in the coming months. Community members are encouraged to donate an item from Greenhill’s wish list. The items listed are vital supplies needed to help care for young kittens. Monetary donations are also greatly appreciated and allow Greenhill to purchase items in bulk at a discount. Gifts can be made online here. See items needed on Greenhill’s Amazon wish list here and Chewy Wish list here.

Cattery volunteer activities include cleaning the cattery main floor and cat living spaces, washing dishes and litter pans, assisting potential adopters meeting the “purrfect” match for their home, helping with the daily care of the cats, and ensuring they are safe, comfortable, and relaxed. Greenhill volunteer positions are available every day. Volunteers 12 to 15 years of age can join the team with a parent or guardian, ages 16 and over are welcome to come out on their own. Learn more about Greenhill’s volunteer program here (https://www.green-hill.org/volunteer_opportunities/).

In 2024, Greenhill’s foster families cared for nearly 600 cats including over 530 kittens. The shelter expects this year’s total to exceed last year’s. Foster families provide a calm, quiet place for an animal to heal and learn to trust. Fosters receive all necessary supplies and support from Greenhill’s veterinary team. The animal’s length of stay can vary depending on the animal’s needs and the foster family’s availability. Anyone interested in becoming a foster can learn more here (https://www.green-hill.org/foster_care).

To learn more about Greenhill Humane Society’s volunteer and foster program, visit www.green-hill.org.