Comforter Program

The "Comforter Program" enlists volunteers to make small comforters for shelter cats, kittens, and small dogs. The comforters not only ease the stress of the homeless animals - many of whom have been abused, abandoned and traumatized - but they also help to ease the adoption transition since the animals take their comforters with them to their new homes. In addition, it’s been shown that the comforters actually help boost adoptions since the animals appear to be more adoptable lying on their colorful little beds instead of crouched in shredded newspapers. During the two years following the initiation of the program, volunteers from all over the country provided approximately 10,000 beds and 10,000 toys for these homeless animals. This is a fun and easy way to provide direct aid and comfort to animals in need.

Cage Comforter Specifications:

Comforters can be made from any type material except looped fabric like chenille or terry cloth that might get snagged in the animals’ nails.

The comforters should be a finished size of 12" x 18" but this can vary. We also use 24" x 18" comforters for Mom cats with kittens, litters of kittens and small dogs. We use 24" x 36" comforters for the Mom dogs with puppies.

Here’s how to make them:

For the 12" x 18" comforter –

Cut the material 13" x 39." You can then fold it in half with the wrong side of the fabric facing out and sew down each long side. Then turn the fabric right side out. It will resemble a small pillowcase.

Batting should be at least one inch thick. Cut the batting to size – approximately 12" x 18." Slip the batting into the case and sew the open end closed.

Tack down the batting in each corner and along each side so that it doesn't bunch up during laundering.

That’s it! You have just created a gift of comfort for a homeless animal in desperate need. You have helped to relieve her stress in her new strange environment. You have increased her chances of adoption by helping her to relax so she can put on her best face for potential adopters. When she goes to her new home, her little bed will go with her and this familiar item will help ease her adjustment to a million new and unfamiliar things. You have done a wonderful thing. Thank you!

"I made the first 30 beds by hand myself (I can't sew, but it was very easy!) and brought them over to the shelter and gave them to the animals. There wasn't a dry eye in the place. The animals were drawn to them like magnets -- purring and kneading the material. Many are orphans - others traumatized by their ordeals and the little beds have a great effect on them. This is a wonderful program that any shelter could adopt."

Hillsborough Girl Scout Troop 1048 of NJ
made comforters for Homeless Animal Lifeline.