This project may serve as an encouragement to you to contact your local animal shelter to see if they are interested in anything crafted for the animals.

You don’t have to go through any organization to help (unless you wish to).

I contacted our local shelter several years ago to ask that question. The prompt answer was “Yes, please! We love cat pads! 12” x 12” will be perfect!”

Several hundred cat pads later I decided to add a Ravelry project as encouragement to others.

I’m using three strands of worsted weight yarn. Start with 25 chain stitches.

When I stitch the first row, I stitch through the center back loop only (will provide a picture when I make the next batch). This way, the first and the last row both look pretty.

Each row: Turn with 2 chain stitches, then crochet 25 dc.

Crochet 14 rows. Cut the yarn and pull it through the last loop. Weave in ends. DONE!

Yarns to use: Check with your shelter. Our shelter is pretty flexible, so I’m using whatever I can get my hands on, though something machine washable at the shelter promises a longer lifespan. I personally avoid yarns that may harm animals, for example yarns with metallic components.

Note: Sometimes I have a bag with short ends of yarns. I tie them together and then use that with two other strands of regular yarns. Some cats really like the little ends sticking out to play with!