Fried's Cat Shelter
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Many people know that Hans and Lucille Fried came to America as refugees from Nazi Germany, but few know their secret weapon: a cat shelter! In 1977, they founded Fried’s Cat Shelter, where cats rule the roost, and humans are merely their servants. Over the years, Fried’s faced challenges that would make a cat's nine lives seem like a stroll in the park—rising population, increasing costs, and a constant stream of furry drama that would make reality TV jealous.
Let’s talk about some realities: We operate as a "no-kill" shelter, but that doesn't mean we have a magic money tree in the backyard. Spoiler alert: we don’t! A surprising number of people still think spaying or neutering their pets is a suggestion—like choosing between chocolate or vanilla ice cream—leading to more unwanted kitties who often think they're auditioning for "America's Next Top Model" instead of finding a forever home.
As Fried’s becomes more popular, our shelter rapidly resembles an episode of "Hoarders: Cat Edition." We plan to rebuild 1/3 of the shelter in 2025 and 2026 to accommodate our furry clientele, but we need funding. The price tag on building materials has increased faster than a cat can chase a laser pointer. Our current supporters are starting to feel like our cats—aging gracefully and ready for retirement—but we need the next generation to realize just how important this cause is. So, if you’re listening, new supporters, please help us before the cats start forming a meow-vemente!.
Fried's Cat Shelter Virtual 5K
Ready for the fall weather? We sure are! It’s the perfect season for all those outdoorsy activities—or, as we like to call it, a great excuse to avoid doing chores! This year, Fried’s is hosting a virtual 5k (3.1 miles), which means you can sweat it out without even leaving your neighborhood!
Here’s the scoop: You can do it on your own time, pick your own pace—slow, slower, or we’ll just call that “strolling.” Want to walk to the fridge and back? Technically, that counts! However, it will take you longer, and you have until December 31st to prove you reached the finish line!
All we ask is for a $60 donation, which not only gets you a fabulous T-shirt (because who doesn’t want to wear a reminder of their workout “efforts”?), but you’ll also get to download an app, of your choice, to track your results. Once you reach the goal, come back and show us that app like it’s your trophy case, and we’ll hook you up with a shiny medal!
So, lace up your sneakers, or just your slippers—who’s judging? It’s easy peasy, lemon squeezy! Additionally, all the funds go towards our mission, which is essentially a way of saying, “Let’s keep the good times rolling for the community!” So, let’s get virtual and make those steps count (even if they’re **really** short ones)!
Ready? Set, Go…download and fill out the registration/waiver form, show up to Fried’s with your donation (or other options listed on the registration/waiver form), download your app, and get to stepping. You benefit, we benefit, and the felines benefit! If the above link doesn't work well for you, then click here: https://www.zeffy.com/ticketing/virtual-5k
T-Shirt Sizes are small to 2X and medals are one size fits all….Get yours while they last!
Hey Folks! Just a friendly reminder that while Fried's has always been a cat-loving haven, right now we're in the midst of a major feline-focused renovation. Imagine a high-stakes game of Tetris where all the cats are in pieces- and we've run out of space to place anymore!
So, whether you're a board member, employee, well-meaning citizen, or that one very enthusiastic family member who keeps sending cat videos, please understand that we cannot accept any more fur-balls for the time being! We're like a cat café that's gone temporarily cat-proof! Our building will be more of a construction zone than a cuddly kitty paradise for a little while.
Phase one is nearly complete, and soon phase two kicks off. When phase 3 hits we will lose half our building till completed.
We are talking an all paws on deck situation here! Thanks for understanding and may your couch stay fur free until we open our intake!
click on image to see what the
shirt and medal looks like.
We are now open Fridays 2 pm to 6 pm
Saturdays & Sundays 12 pm to 4 pm
Building Fund Update!
Fried's Cat Shelter has been blessed with an incredible opportunity! When we raise another $100,000.00 for the building fund, an amazing individual has offered to match it. Let's double our impact for the kitties in need!
To donate from this page, scan the QRC code above and notate it for the building fund. You can still mail, phone, or walk in all donations. Watch for Zelle as a new opportunity to donate.
Be a Fried's Cat Shelter volunteer! Here are our biggest needs
If you are coughing or sneezing, please, for the safety of staff and other customers, stay home and get better before coming to the shelter.
ABOUT US
Fried's Cat Shelter was founded by Hans and Lucille Fried in 1977. The Frieds came to the United States in 1939 from Nazi Germany. In the late 1970s, they sold their home in Beverly Shores, Indiana, to buy an old roadside motel in Michigan City, Indiana. They turned the motel into a no-kill, cageless shelter for homeless and abandoned felines.
The Frieds did not believe in euthanization to solve the cat overpopulation problem. Hans became known for his favorite saying: "To save a life is more in conformity with God's law than to kill"
Hans and Lucille felt that spaying and neutering would correct the problem and be a more humane solution. Their dream was to create a safe haven for all felines who needed it.
The Frieds passed away in the early 1990s, but our Board of Directors continues to carry out their legacy. Fried's Cat Shelter is still a no-kill, cageless sanctuary that thoroughly believes in spaying and neutering as the most effective method of controlling the feline population.
Today our shelter consists of two buildings and houses over five hundred cats. The main building is home to the largest population of cats and also houses the offices and TNR clinic. The second smaller building is home to our cats with special medical needs, such as those with FIV, feline Leukemia, and FIP.
All of the cats here at Fried's Cat Shelter are guaranteed a home for life and are cared for by our professional staff and wonderful volunteers.
WAYS YOU CAN HELP
Monetary Donations
Donations of cat food, litter, cleaning supplies, paper towels, paper plates, dish soap, laundry detergent, etc. Here is our one stop wish list. It covers Amazon, Chewy, Wal-Mart etc - Fried's Cat Shelter Wish List
You can become a shelter volunteer
Adopt a less fortunate feline
Ask your employer whether or not they have a "matching gift program". Your donation can actually be doubled in this situation
A willed benevolence can help Fried's.
Mailing List Privacy
If you would like to be put on our mailing list, click here and fill out the form with your name and address.
Fried's Cat Shelter, under no circumstances, will rent, sell or otherwise publicize our mailing list. All names and addresses are kept strictly confidential. Fried's Cat Shelter does not collect any other information about our donors.
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