Why Outreach is So Important

At last count, there are around 150 CH cats up for adoption in the U.S. and Canada.

Photo courtesy komonews.com

Sometimes that seems like an impossibly large number. But in perspective, just imagine if the whole country suddenly knew about cerebellar hypoplasia. I’m sure those dozens of cats would be adopted in moments by caring homes.

Unfortunately, the entire country doesn’t know about CH, which is why outreach is so important. No matter if you tell others about CH one conversation, one Facebook post or handed-out flier at a time, you’re getting the word out there.

And sometimes a big effort yields tremendous results.

The story below is a great example of this, and perhaps it may inspire you or your local shelter to do something similar in the future.

When one shelter in Seattle was at capacity, they knew they needed help. Staff members worried specifically that Noodle, an adoptable kitten with cerebellar hypoplasia, would be overlooked because of her challenges.

So the shelter’s staff thought big and took a chance. They contacted the “Problem Solvers” team at the local news station in town.

And what do you think happened? The KOMO News team came to the rescue to feature Noodle in a TV report:

Within 10 minutes of that segment airing, Meow Animal Rescue’s phones were ringing non-stop because Noodle’s story had tugged at the heartstrings of KOMO viewers.

We can only hope that Noodle was adopted out to a great home, and those interested in adopting Noodle also gave the other kitties at Meow Animal Rescue a chance, too.

This story is so inspiring, but obviously other rescues may not be as fortunate. But just because your CH cats aren’t being featured on TV doesn’t mean that you can’t make a difference.

Today there are many ways you can help inform the public about CH cats from having conversations with your neighbors, handing out and hanging up fliers at your local shelters and vet clinics, posting about CH on your Facebook profile and more.

Even try contacting your local paper — even perhaps your local high school’s paper. Take advantage of the media around you.

This story is particularly exciting, because it proves that if you can just get the word out — whether it’s contacting your local news team, blogging about it or even informing your neighbor about CH — people are open to adopting cats with special needs.

Which is the whole point, isn’t it? Helping these special little cats find their forever homes.