Nation's most "fabulous foster" cat announced

The ARM & HAMMER Feline Generous program—an online platform connecting people to a network of cat shelters to help increase adoption and donations with a special focus on overlooked felines—and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) have announced that "Airy" has been named the nation's most "fabulous foster" cat.

Airy, the sardine-loving, reserved feline (Photo courtesy of Church & Dwight Co, Inc).

Back in June in honor of Adopt a Shelter Cat Month, cat lovers were asked to vote on the ASPCA's Facebook and Instagram for their favorite "fabulous foster" to raise awareness of fostering “purrfectly impurrfect” cats. As the winner, Airy will serve as the new cat ambassador of the ARM & HAMMER Feline Generous program and gifted a 1-year supply of ARM & HAMMER™ Cat Litter and an adoption starter kit. Plus, he will be featured on the brand's website and in its new Feline Fostering Guide.

"We are proud to celebrate ASPCA foster cat Airy's new role as the face of the ARM & HAMMER™ Feline Generous program," expressed Matthew Carroll, senior manager, cause partnerships and events, ASPCA, in a company release.¹ "Many cats require specialized care as they prepare to find loving adoptive homes across the country, and the Fabulous Fosters contest was the perfect way to recognize shelter cats, like Airy, thriving in foster homes."

According to the release, Airy's misunderstood personality made it challenging for him to get adopted. An APSCA foster family in New York City that cared for Airy said “…[he’s] a shy guy who, with time and yummy treats, learns that most people are pretty okay! Chaos and ruckus are definitely not Airy's thing, so he much prefers lounging around in mellow environments over attending parties. But, party snacks are still appreciated!"

"Airy loves to eat, especially sardines, and he's a fan of short, gentle petting, too. He'd make a great fit for a family who lives in a quiet home and wants a cat that appreciates a mature atmosphere!," they added.

Ever since his feature in the ARM & HAMMER Feline Generous Program and the ASPCA "Fabulous Fosters" contest, Airy, has been adopted and currently lives with his mom in Bronx, New York where he has been acclimating nicely.

According to the ASPCA,² annually about 3.2 million cats enter US animal shelters and rescues, and of those felines, approximately 2.1 million cats are adopted each year. Adopting or fostering a pet offers an all-around win: more shelter animals find safe homes, shelters conserve their space and resources, plus people find comfort and companionship.

References

1. The ARM & HAMMER™ Feline Generous Program and the ASPCA® announce the nation's most "fabulous foster" cat. News release. Church & Dwight Co, Inc. August 4, 2022. Accessed August 4, 2022. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-arm--hammer-feline-generous-program-and-the-aspca-announce-the-nations-most-fabulous-foster-cat-301599618.html
2. Pet statistics. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Accessed August 4, 2022. https://www.aspca.org/helping-people-pets/shelter-intake-and-surrender/pet-statistics#:~:text=These%20are%20national%20estimates%3B%20the,and%203.2%20million%20are%20cats.