August 8, 2026
By: Sarah A. Neikam, SPCA Albrecht Center Marketing Director

Last week, I wrote about our Doggie Day Out program and the tremendous difference a few hours away from the shelter can make for a dog. A walk downtown, an afternoon on the couch or a trip for a pup cup gives shelter dogs a much-needed break while helping us learn more about who they are outside of their kennels.

Cats, of course, are a little different. For them, the perfect “day out” might actually be a day in – with someone willing to sit down, offer a warm lap and some pets, a few treats, or wave a wand toy around for a bit.

Life in an animal shelter can be stressful for cats. They’re surrounded by unfamiliar sights, sounds, smells, people and animals, all while living in a much smaller space than they would in a home. Cats also tend to show stress more subtly than dogs, and a frightened or overwhelmed cat may retreat, hide or simply shut down.

That’s why socialization and enrichment are such important parts of caring for shelter cats. Enrichment gives cats opportunities to do the things cats naturally want to do: play, explore, scratch, climb, hunt, and investigate. Something as simple as a wand toy, scratching pad, or a laser pointer to chase can provide mental stimulation and help break up the monotony of shelter life.

Human interaction is also important because a cat who learns that people bring treats, toys, gentle pets and other good things can begin building confidence and trust. For friendly cats, attention helps alleviate boredom and gives them the companionship they crave. For shy or uncertain cats, patient and positive interactions can gradually teach them that people aren’t so scary after all.

An SPCA Shelter Kitten Wanting Attention.

And that doesn’t just make their time at the shelter better. It can help them find homes. Imagine walking through a shelter looking for a cat to adopt. One cat is hiding in the back of an enclosure, too nervous to approach you. Another walks to the front, rubs against the door and starts purring when you offer your hand. Which cat are you more likely to notice?

The first cat could be every bit as loving once comfortable in a home, but the second has learned how to show potential adopters who they really are. By reducing stress and building confidence through enrichment and socialization, we can help more cats engage positively with visitors – giving them a better opportunity to make that all-important connection with their future family.

Knowing all of that – here’s how you can help: Become a registered volunteer at the SPCA Albrecht Center to sign up for morning shifts cleaning cat enclosures and providing fresh food and water. In the afternoons, volunteers can spend time providing enrichment, play and social interaction. It’s meaningful work that helps us meet both the physical and emotional needs of the cats in our care.

Cat Socialization Volunteer Andrea Altavilla sees firsthand what that time can mean to a shelter cat. “Every one of them has a story, a personality and a need to feel loved,” she says. “Knowing that my time with them can make a frightened cat feel safe, a lonely cat feel cared for or help an adoptable cat find a loving home makes it worthwhile. They give me far more than I could ever give them.”

SPCA Cat Socialization Volunteer Andrea Altavilla Cuddles a Kitten

Cat Care Volunteer Cathy Pitts calls her weekly shift “one of the highlights of my week,” especially when she gets to watch a cat blossom over time. “It is such a thrill to see the progress many of them make as they go from a shy, frightened cat to one that craves touches and cuddles. But the best experience of all is getting to witness the connection that is made between a potential adopter and a cat…that makes it all worthwhile!”

Fostering kittens is another wonderful way to help. Kittens who spend their formative weeks in foster homes have healthier outcomes and opportunities to experience home life and learn that humans mean food, comfort, play and affection. Foster families help them grow into confident, playful, people-loving cats who are ready for adoption.

Don’t want to sign up or foster? Just come visit! Spend some time in our cat rooms. Speak gently to the ones who are scared. Play with a cat who is pawing at a toy. Sit quietly with one who needs a little time to decide you’re trustworthy. Give some chin scratches to the one who immediately demands your attention.

You may think you’re “just petting cats,” but to that cat, you’re providing another positive experience with a human being. And who knows? While you’re helping one of our cats become more comfortable with people, one of them may decide they’re pretty comfortable with you.

Your day IN with a shelter cat could turn into their ticket OUT. 🐾

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Sarah Neikam is the Marketing Director for the SPCA Albrecht Center in Aiken, SC. She has been with the organization since 2012, holding various roles including Volunteer Coordinator and Director of Operations & HR. A Certified Animal Welfare Administrator (CAWA), Sarah is a passionate advocate for animal welfare. She resides in Aiken with her husband and several beloved cats.