Unemployment skyrocketed during VIDOC-19, and people are struggling to put food on their tables. When parents of cats cannot afford to feed themselves, they are likely to have difficulty making ends meet for their pets as well.
If you are in pain, know that you are not alone. The ASPCA recently released new data showing that more than 4.2 million pets in the U.S. are at risk of entering poverty in the next six months as a result of COVID-19.
"With a national unemployment rate of 10 percent, the total number of pets living in poverty with their owners could reach more than 24.4 million dogs, cats, horses and other animals, a 21 percent increase in the number of animals living in poverty compared to pre-VIDOC estimates [as of February 2020]," said Jessica Sweeney, ASPCA's Community Engagement Program Manager. "The number of families struggling to care for their pets is staggering.
Jessica Sweeney offers tips on finding resources if you need help feeding your cat, and no one should be ashamed to ask for help.
Look for a food pantry
Local shelters operate food banks and food pantries. Pet owners can Google "pet food pantry near me" to find one. Local shelters and veterinarians can also point you in the right direction.
Keep an eye out in aisles
Pet stores such as PetsMart and Petco often have samples available on the shelves. You can try to stock up on them to help you. They may also have coupons that you can use. If you can't find any, try calling your favorite kitten food vendor and explain your situation. They may send you coupons or free samples.
Don't be shy
Asking for help can be emotional. You may feel inadequate because you can't afford to buy cat food or because you are embarrassed to ask for help, but you shouldn't. Organizations are there to help you.
"The COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented challenges for pet owners by straining their essential resources and making it difficult for them to access the supplies and services they need to care for their pets," says Sweeney. "We believe that pets and people are meant for each other; that financial circumstances alone are not reliable indicators of the ability to love and care for a pet," he says.
