The Toronto Humane Society should be celebrating like they’ll never go out of style after a successful Taylor Swift-inspired cat adoption campaign.
Launched to coincide with the Eras tour stop in Toronto, this campaign aimed to bring Swifties and cat lovers together in a meaningful way. After naming 17 of their adorable adoptable cats with names inspired by the billionaire songstress, 16 of them were swiftly adopted.
Catsters in Toronto, I’m speaking directly to you here: Whether you’re a Swiftie or not, it’s time to get that 17th cat adopted!!!
And, Swifties, I’m speaking directly to you here: Whether a cat is named after Tay-Tay or not, there are so many ways you can help cats and make Mother proud.
Look What She Made Them Do
Even without her physical presence, the mere suggestion of Taylor’s name can inspire the crowds. While there are some unsubstantiated claims of Taylor donating to shelters herself, there are many verified reports of her fans donating to animal shelters and adopting cats in her name.
That begs the question, does it really matter where the support is coming from, so long as the cats are being saved, loved, and cared for?
Whether a fan or not, it’s hard to ignore the influence that Taylor has on cat lovers. For example, with this campaign alone, just by having her music mentioned, 16 Swifty families were inspired to begin their feline Love Story, fill in the Blank Space, and write their new cat’s name.
“We’re grateful for Taylor’s music and her influence, which brought an incredible sense of excitement to our shelter,” says Melissa Shupak, Director of Animal Sheltering at Toronto Humane Society.
The Toronto Humane Society played Swift’s music throughout the adoption halls during the campaign. Many fans also supported the campaign by sharing their enthusiasm across social media and helping to raise awareness for shelter animal adoption.
Cats with names “Folklore,” “Evermore,” “Cornelia,” and “August” have had their Wildest Dreams made by becoming cherished members of their new families. The hope is that their unique names continue to bring joy to their adoptive parents and spark conversations about shelter animal adoption, providing a ripple effect and getting more animals into their furever homes.
Though she was unable to attend during this campaign, the Toronto Humane Society extended an open invitation to Taylor Swift herself for a behind-the-scenes tour to meet these feline super-fans. The invitation remains open for a future visit.
Forever & Always
According to their website, “the establishment of Toronto Humane Society was inspired by an anonymous $2 donation to aid an old, worn-out white workhorse. In November 1886, a Toronto resident sent a letter about the horse, a familiar sight on city streets, to The Toronto World, a daily newspaper. ‘Why,’ he asked, ‘don’t we have a society for the prevention of cruelty?’ was the comment added to the letter by 22-year-old reporter John J. Kelso when it was published in the World. In answer to his question, an anonymous donor sent the $2 donation to the newspaper office the following day. The fund kept growing until $74 had accumulated.
John Kelso’s presentation to the Canadian Institute on February 19, 1887, marked the launch of the humane and children’s aid movement in Ontario.”
They had their inaugural meeting on February 24, 1887, and have been going strong, supporting animal rights and welfare ever since.
While the Toronto Humane Society credits the success of this campaign to Taylor’s music and her fans, I think that it is truly a tribute to the hard work and dedication of all of the support crew at the Humane Society themselves. Their unyielding optimism and love for animals have allowed them to think outside of the box and create this campaign.
The Toronto Humane Society is known widely as an educational resource, support system, and leading voice in animal welfare and accessible care throughout Ontario’s capital. And with their mission to improve the lives of animals, this campaign was born and made successful. But, they are very humble, which is a true testament to who they are and why this organization is so important to support.
“We are so thankful to everyone who opened their hearts and homes to the ‘Swiftie’ cats,” says Shupak. “Your compassion has not only given these cats a second chance but also brought a powerful sense of community to our shelter.”
The Toronto Humane Society remains dedicated to connecting animals in need with loving homes while raising awareness of the joys of adoption. With the continued support of the community, the legacy of this campaign will help more animals find the care and compassion they deserve.
How You Can Speak Now and Help Out
There’s one kitty, Swiftie, that still needs adopting from this campaign, so first, let’s find him a home. Visit www.torontohumanesociety.com for more information.
Then, support your local animal shelter! Whether you’re in Toronto or not, there’s one, or many near you. They always need help, whether financially or through fostering or adoption. There is truly no better feeling than adopting or rescuing an animal, but if you can’t do that, get in touch with them and see what they need.
Would you adopt a cat with a Taylor Swift-inspired name? Or another artist? Or do their names matter to you at all? Let us know in the comments below!