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Meeting your new forever family is a big moment in the life of any pet. However, feline adoptees from The Cat Protection Society of NSW in Sydney all get to bring something extra to make them feel at home – a cosy blanket made by dedicated members of the Cat Protection Craft Club.
“When they are adopted we send this home with them so they have something familiar-smelling to help them settle in their forever home,” explains Feline Services Manager Nerida Atkin. “We often get photos from adopters months later, with the blanket still much-loved.”
CRAFT FOR A CAUSE
The society is one of many organisations around the country that rely on handmade donations from crafty volunteers. From tiny penguin jumpers to crocheted bird’s nests, there are plenty of ways animal lovers can lend their skills to a good cause.
Blankets are just one of many items that are made by the Cat Protection Craft Club’s volunteers.
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“We have a Facebook group that interested people can join where we share patterns and ideas,” Nerida says. “Then once a month we have a meet-up, where members of the Facebook group can pop in, have a coffee (or tea) some bickies and a chat while they craft. Members who cant make the meetings will often send us in the things they make.”
In fact, whether you like to knit, crochet, sew, or prefer another craft entirely, there’s bound to be a way you can put your talents to good use. Here are a few things you should know before getting started.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Before you raid that craft bag, contact your chosen charity to ensure the item you’re making is suitable.
“Always check with the organisation as to what is most needed and when,” Nerida says.
For instance, summer is a time when some charities see more baby animals, which can affect the kind of donations they need. Just like children, pets can also get into trouble if they’re given gifts that are unsafe.
“We ask makers to be mindful that cats can chew and swallow small bells and string so it’s important to place bells inside toys instead of on the outside and avoid any loose bits of thread,” she says.
MATERIALS
Some yarns and fabrics aren’t suitable for every animal, so ask your chosen organisation if they have any preferences. For instance, if you’re making a pouch for a native animal like a joey, it’s important to choose a fabric that can breathe. WIRES requires that these be made in 100 per cent wool or cotton.
On the other hand, a hard-wearing material like acrylic could be perfect for some domestic pets, Nerida says this is actually the preferred pick for her feline charges. “As we have to wash any items regularly, we prefer items that are acrylic, not made of wool as pure wool shrinks,” she explains.
MOST WANTED ITEMS
This depends a lot on the charity you reach out to, but individual organisations can also have preferences. Wildlife charities might appreciate a knitted pouch or Nerida says the most sought-after items required by her feline residents are cat toys.
“We wash our toys regularly for disease prevention, so they don’t last very long,” she explains. “All shapes and sizes are welcome and we have a variety of patterns on our website and our Facebook group.”
And because animals aren’t that different from us, it can also come down to their personal taste! If you enjoy sewing, there are plenty of pets that would appreciate a soft fleecy blanket.
“Some cats like fabric more than wool, so a variety is great,” Nerida says.
HOW YOU CAN START
There are many ways you can help out. If there’s a local animal shelter or organisation that you feel passionate about supporting, reach out and ask what donations they’ll accept. Nerida also suggests visiting Knit4Charities. They support a range of good causes around the country, including pet charities, and they can help point you in the right direction.
HELP OUR WIDLIFE
Wildlife rescue organisations like WIRES depend on a range of custom-made items to assist our native fauna. It could be a knitted pouch for an orphaned joey, a crocheted bird’s nest, or a possum box (if woodwork is more your thing).
PETS IN NEED
Dogs, cats and other shelter pets frequently rely on cosy donated items such as blankets and toys, and some organisations include wishlists on their websites. You can access a range of free patterns on theThe Cat Protection Society of NSW website.
KNIT FOR NATURE
Since its inception, the Penguin Foundation has received thousands of tiny sweaters from knitters around the world to help penguins caught in oil spills. However they can use many more jumpers to place on plush toys that are sold to raise money for conservation.
Craft essentials that won’t break the bank
1
Boye Crochet Hook Set D-K
$16 at Spotlight
2
8 Ply Acrylic Yarn
$2.50 at Kmart
3
Knitpro 80cm Symfonie Fixed Circular Needles
From $19 at Kmart
4
Giantex Foldable Sewing Table
$129 at BIG W
