A new foster-cat program at the Larch Corrections Center is improving life for inmates and felines alike. Larch, a minimum-security facility near Yacolt, WA, launched the Cuddly Catz program two weeks ago; Cuddly Cats pairs pound-bound cats with inmates who meet certain requirements (did not commit a violent crime against animals or humans; free of prison demerits for at least six months; set to remain at Larch for at least a year after receiving a program cat; and passing an extensive screening process).

The program definitely benefits the inmates. Joey Contreras and Joseph Walter share a ten-by-twelve-foot cell – and charge of Princess Natalie, a long-haired black cat. Contreras noted in an Olympian.com article by Paris Achen that fostering a feline has given him an increased sense of purpose. "When you're doing prison time, you get set in certain ways and forget what it's like to have everyday interactions and be compassionate," Contreras said. "It's a little different when you have an animal depending on you to survive. Animals bring out the best in people."

Compassion and a little love can go a long way in an environment where it is usually banished.   Everyone wins. I wish there were more programs, though the article does say many states have programs like this in the works.  It does us no good if the non-violent moderately well-behaved prisoners aren't given some means to stay in touch with their humanity.  Anything that saves animals is a perk. It would be great if this spreads and gives animals and lonely people a chance to connect and help each other.  The cat mentioned in the article likely would have been euthanized if she hadn't been chosen for this program.  Now she's able to live a happy life, giving and receiving love.