Harmony House for Cats
Last Thursday we had the wonderful opportunity to engage with the pet loving River North community for happy hour at World of Whirlpool! All proceeds from the event went directly to benefit ALIVE Rescue, one of our rescue partners at BLVD Vet. While Very Important Pups were there looking cute and giving kisses, we enjoyed appetizers and beverages while learning from Chef Roy how to make healthy apple chips for our doggo friends! A HUGE thank you to everyone who came out and supported the event for our friends of ALIVE Rescue. Enjoy some of the adorable pictures below.
National Feral Cat Day is day to celebrate all types of cats, no matter where they call home! This day was created to help rethink how we view our nomadic pals and learn how we can create a better future for them. As a way to raise awareness for cats in our neighborhoods, we wanted to highlight our friends at Harmony House and the unbelievable work they do to contribute to aiding to our feline friends of Chicago.
Animal Protective Association's Harmony House for Cats is a not-for-profit, cageless, no-kill cat shelter and adoption center located in Chicago, Illinois.
Harmony House is licensed by the City to accept strays, and if they cannot reconnect the cat and owner, the cat will stay with them until adopted. Although Harmony House does not participate in the Trap Neuter Release (TNR) program, they accept many cats from trappers that are not really feral, just terrified! Harmony House for cats is a full supporter of many TNR programs in Chicago, including PAWS Chicago TNR Program, Tree House Humane Society TNR Program, Feral Feline Project, and The Anti-Cruelty Society. Harmony House also accepts owner give-ups and often have police and fire personnel bring them cats.
It is important to note that Harmony House never euthanizes a cat for behavior problems (only if they have an incurable, contagious disease or would be in constant pain). Unfortunately, a number of "dumps" where people leave a cat or rarely a dog in a carrier or box outside of the facility have been recorded.
On average, Harmony House houses anywhere from 90 to 100 residents at a single time.
For a small, grass-roots organization their adoption rate is high. Many of the cats come and go in a matter of weeks, but some stay for a year or two, until they find the right companion. If they don't find the right companion or home, the cat will stay with them for life. When they do have space, Harmony House accepts admissions from open-access shelters and accepts admissions as space allows.
Harmony House is committed to providing the highest quality care for the cats and kittens in our adoption center .On the day of admission, they do ask for an Intake Fee of $150 for each cat or kitten that requires full medical care, and $75 per cat or kitten if they are already spayed / neutered, and up to date on vaccinations, worming and tests. Harmony House spends approximately $200 for veterinary care per cat or kitten admitted. This covers food, supplies, and medical attention.
Looking to adopt a new feline friend?
You can read more about adoption services and requirements at Harmony House here. Further, check out their current adoptable cats and kittens!
Cannot adopt but would like to help? Become a Volunteer!
Volunteers are needed in many programs that benefit the cats of Harmony House, most importantly by caring for the cats directly and providing a safe and loving environment for every cat. If you would like to get involved, fill out this application .
Wondering how you can contribute?
One amazing way to help, is by donating the frequently used items below or items off of their Amazon Wish List.
• Gift Cards (Pet Supplies Plus, PetSmart, PETCO, Target, Costco)
• 6" or 9" paper plates (No plastic or styrofoam plates, please.)
Paper towels
• Liquid laundry detergent HE
• Postage stamps
• 13-gallon trash bags
Items may be dropped off during adoption hours:
• Wednesday and Thursday from 2-5 pm
• Saturday and Sunday from 1-5 pm
Harmony House for Cats has been a consistent aid to our neighborhood cats since 1970 and will be celebrating their 50th anniversary next year! They receive no government funding and rely entirely upon contributions from caring animal lovers to provide for the cats and kittens. We want to truly thank Harmony House for Cats, their volunteers, and all of those who donate and advocate for the cats and kittens of our neighborhoods. “Together we are saving lives, one cat or kitten at a time!”