Library Accepting Cat Photos to Cover Your Fees

by Lisa Selvaggio

Published: March 9th, 2024

A library in Massachusetts is waiving certain fees in exchange for cat photos.

Happy Author/Shutterstock

It’s easy to forget to return library items on time, and if you borrowed an item that ended up lost or damaged, you might be reluctant to go back to the library because of the fees you’d have to pay. Well, a library in Massachusetts has made it possible to avoid those fees for the month of March, and their fee forgiveness program involves cats.

March Meowness at the Worcester Public Library

The Worcester Public Library in Massachusetts is celebrating “March Meowness,” providing a variety of entertaining and educational cat-themed programs, such as DIY Cat Castles & Cat Toys, Hello Kitty Party, and Cat’s Meow Scavenger Hunt. You can see the schedule for all of the events they have planned, and get more info about each event, here.

Get Your Library Fees Forgiven with a Cat Photo

In addition to all of the fun events that are planned for March Meowness, the Worcester Public Library is making it possible to have your fees forgiven throughout the month. This applies to fees incurred for damaged or lost library items. The goal is to get people to return to the library, as they know that fees could dissuade people from going back.

To have your fees forgiven, all you have to do is show them a picture of any cat. It could even be a picture of a famous kitty or a cat in a shelter. Even a drawing of a cat will work. So, if you don’t have a pet cat, don’t worry, as you can still have your fees removed from your account.

This fee forgiveness program applies to all of the Worcester Public Library branches. But it’s important to note that there are several rules. For example, the fees will be waived for items that have been lost for two months or longer, and the library is excluding Library of Things items from this program. Before you head to the library with a cat photo, thinking your fees will be cleared, be sure you actually qualify.

Already a Big Success

This fee forgiveness program is proving to be a fantastic idea. Since it started at the beginning of the month, hundreds of returns have been made. And according to this Instagram post from the library, they’ve even been getting cat photos from people around the world.

Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Lisa Selvaggio

Lisa Selvaggio is a freelance writer and editor, and our resident cats-pert, with certifications in pet nutrition and pet first aid. She enjoys producing content that helps people understand animals better so they can give their pets a safe and happy home.

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We’ve all seen those old-school cartoons in which cats absolutely hate water or taking baths. Is there truth to that myth? Should you even question bathing your feline friend? Well, believe it or not, bathing a cat is a topic of much debate amongst owners. Some believe that it is paramount for maintaining their cat’s hygiene, while others think it is stressful and unnecessary. But what is the final word? There are several factors to consider, so let’s delve into it.Cats – and all felines in general – are well known for their cleanliness. They spend a significant amount of time grooming themselves and will use their tongues to remove dirt, parasites, and all that loose fur. This is their natural behavior and cemented their reputation as clean and orderly animals. Besides this, the behavior ensures that their coat remains clean and it reduces the need for frequent baths. And, in fact, regular grooming is sufficient to maintain a clean and healthy coat – for most cats. And while many cats never really need a bath, there are situations where it might be necessary. For example, if your cat has gotten into something greasy, sticky, or even toxic, a bath might be the only possible way to remove that dirt. Similarly, if your kitty has a skin condition, your vet could recommend medicated baths as part of the treatment.What is more, certain long-haired felines, such as Persian cats, could also benefit from an occasional bath. This will prevent matting and keep their fur in good condition. It should also be noted that cats with certain health issues, such as arthritis and obesity, might have problems grooming themselves. In such cases, you need to help them stay clean with a bath. If you decide that your cat needs a bath, it is important to do it safely and calmly. Cats are not usually fond of water and are often willful. So the experience could be a bit stressful for them. In order to minimize that stress, you should choose a quiet time when your cat is calm and relaxed. Use lukewarm water and a shampoo designed specifically for cats. Remember that human products can be too harsh for a cat’s sensitive skin.

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Can I Get a Dog or Cat if I Have Allergies?

Your Environment and Pet AllergiesIn addition to responding to allergens directly from the pet, you must also consider how your home environment can contribute to your allergies. This will be particularly important when we discuss ways to reduce the problem and live happily with a pet.Take a moment to consider the surfaces in your home that could collect or transfer allergens. For example, carpets and rugs are notorious for collecting pet dander. They are also more challenging to clean than hardwood or tile floors. Beyond the flooring, this can also include bedding you are using for your pet, furniture your pet is allowed on, and even the toys they are given to play with.This isn’t to say that you must eliminate all surfaces that could contribute to your allergies. However, you should be aware of them so you can strategically reduce the risk. More on that to follow…The Best Pets for People with AllergiesYou may have heard the buzz about “hypoallergenic” pets and wondered if that’s the solution you have been looking for. The idea of an allergy-free dog or cat breed is tempting; I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t. Unfortunately, contrary to what you’ve been told, truly hypoallergenic pets don’t exist. There are, however, some pets that are far less likely to trigger an allergic reaction.Selecting the best dog or cat is easier when you’ve already gone through the process of being allergy tested. That way, you know precisely what to be on the lookout for. Some breeds are known to produce or release less dander into the environment, while others drool less.Dog breeds recommended for people with allergies include: Poodle Schnauzer Portuguese Water Dog Bichon Frise MalteseThese dog breeds are favorites of those with allergies primarily because they don’t shed as much as others. Several have curled coats, like the Poodle and Portuguese Water Dog, which not only shed less but can also trap dander and hair in the coat, reducing the amount released into your home.Mixed-breed dogs that include one or several of these breeds may also offer the same benefits; however, it’s not guaranteed. A poodle mix, for example, may inherit the poodle coat or the coat associated with another breed in the mix. This isn’t to say that a mixed-breed dog won’t be a good fit for your home; you just need to be aware of this to assess whether a dog you plan to adopt has the characteristics you need.Similarly, experts recommend cat breeds with shorter coats when selecting a cat. Some breeds are nearly hairless, reducing the spread of allergens as much as possible. Recommended cats for people with allergies include: Sphynx Devonshire Rex Cornish Rex Bengal Russian Blue

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