New Animal Rescue League Program Has Kids Read To Cats

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - An animal shelter in Allegheny County is trying to give kids an opportunity to help.

But, it has nothing to do with taking the dogs for a walk.

Instead, they are asking the kids to read to the cats.

"We have shelter tales. Kids read for their rescue. It's a program for kids in levels one through eight to come and read to the cats," Mary Withrow of the Animal Rescue League, said.

The program at the Animal Rescue League started Monday on Read Across America Day, which happens to be Dr. Seuss's birthday.

Kids read to the shelter cats in short blocks.

"When I am out in the community, the kids want to help so much and this is a win-win. Kids that either have difficulty reading or are a little bit shy about it or love to read can come and read to the cats and the cats love it. Tonight, the cats were asleep about halfway through our first little session," Withrow said.

Studies have shown that the rhythmic cadence of people reading aloud relaxes the cats.

That is key when animals must live in shelters awaiting adoption.

"They read in 20-minute increments. So, we have scheduling times and are hoping to broaden the program and keep going," Withrow said.

Monday was the first night of the program, but they hope to build on the early turnout and find more children who want to help.

"Right now, we have two schools that we are working with and a home schooling group, but want to expand that," Withrow said.

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