Stray Cats Bringing Joy To Inmates

When asked to comment about the turn of fate that led it to a life behind bars, one cat said, "None of you seem to understand. We are not locked in here with you. You're locked in here with us! Meow!"

Can you even imagine being a cat in rural Allendale, where life is tough for everyone, especially if you're a cat facing euthanasia - all because you're homeless. Normally we imagine these moggies as family pets, but what happens when they become homeless strays?

One solution was to house some of them in prison with the inmates. This is what happened in Allendale Prison In South Carolina USA. Most seem delighted in having found new homes with caring humans, even if those humans are hardened criminals and that home is a prison.

There are YouTube videos on the internet, (I don't think I can attach the link in case I violate copywrite laws) ... Now, dozens of shelter cats roam the cells and rooms, giving inmates newfound purpose. This flood of gentle felines is changing everything for a group of men who once lived with little to care for but themselves.

Originally, Allendale’s program began modestly with two cats, but that number quickly grew after the warden realized the profound impact on both the cats and inmates. Today, more than 200 cats call Allendale home, with inmates responsible for their care, training, and the occasional bath—yes, these guys are giving cats baths, and behaving like their foster parents.

Meow-Mates has given the prison a unique role as a shelter, thanks to inmates who do everything from cleaning litter boxes to handling medical exams (yes, poop samples and all).

Jackson Galaxy, the Animal Planet star, recently visited the program and was blown away by what he saw:

"This is the most exciting thing I've ever seen in my life. I'm not kidding! You've got cats everywhere and they're just wandering around, no fear all… it was beyond my wildest dreams."

— Jackson Galaxy

Jackson Galaxy saw for himself how these prisoners, many of whom have spent their lives struggling with Trauma in the form of anger or isolation, are now finding peace and joy through these furry friendships.

One man admitted, “I’ve been incarcerated since I was 17, but focusing on this four-ounce kitten melted away a lot of my selfishness.”

This all reminds me of 'Puss in Boots' the Scene in 'Shrek 2' when Puss in Boots disarms the angry soldiers by making large eyes and blinking slowly, the soldiers melted under his charms.

Studies show that the atmosphere inside the prison improved with 100% reporting reduced inmate stress levels, 85% saw improved work ethic, and 93% reported better self-control - Now that has got to be a good thing!

The cats, unfazed by typical prison stressors, don’t ask for much—just food, water, the occasional scratch behind the ears, and maybe a little personal space: “Just feed and water it, it’s a fur-plant. Then chill out and don’t bring energy to the room the cat hasn’t already.”

Second chances for two, and four, legged friends

It turns out these furry residents have also softened the hearts of their caretakers, even in such a structured and high-security place. Inmates form such strong bonds with their cats that the program actually rotates them periodically to avoid “adoptive” attachment.

While the cats are saving lives in more ways than one, the inmates have, in turn, saved hundreds of dogs and cats through the program since its launch. When Hurricane Matthew hit, Allendale even took in extra animals from other counties, adding emergency sheltering to their impact.

Could this be the future of prison programs?

Despite evidence of lower aggression and positive inmate transformation, programs like Meow-Mates aren’t yet in every prison due to lack of funding. But this “feline felony” is sparking interest and discussions on Social Media, “Studies show these programs work, but they’re rare because most prisons don’t actually focus on rehabilitation.”

For now, Allendale is a model of how both animal and mankind can find second chances, bringing life, purrs, and maybe even a little healing into places most wouldn’t expect ... we all need some love and tenderness in our lives, cats know that!

Acknowledgements to: Wikipedia / Bored Panda / YouTube