Indiana Prison Welcomes Shelter Cats Who Provide Solace And Companionship To Inmates
Cats don’t need loud gestures or big moments to make an impact; their calm energy alone can bring peace where it’s missing.
For many people, a cat’s soft purr and steady presence can ease stress, soften heavy thoughts, and make even the hardest days feel a little lighter. They offer companionship without judgment and comfort without conditions.
But sometimes, their influence reaches far beyond the walls of a home.
In an Indiana prison, cats are doing something truly unexpected. Through a special program, these gentle animals are helping inmates heal, reflect, and rebuild parts of themselves they thought were long gone.
This is the story of how small paws are making a powerful difference behind bars.
In 2015, the Animal Protection League and the state of Indiana partnered up to launch a heartwarming initiative at the Pendleton Correctional Facility.
This program, named F.O.R.W.A.R.D., aimed to create a safe environment for shelter cats while allowing inmates the chance to care for them.
The program quickly proved to be a success, benefiting both the cats and the prisoners.
Many of these cats had faced neglect or abuse in the past, making it difficult for them to trust humans or socialize appropriately.
With limited trust in people, their chances of being adopted were slim. However, this program gave them an opportunity to start fresh!
The cats receive behavior modification and trust-building programs, helping them become more well-adjusted and prepared for a forever home.
Inmates take on the responsibility of feeding, grooming, and cleaning up after the cats, offering care and attention. As a result, the cats begin to trust more and become increasingly social.
But the benefits extend beyond just the cats; the inmates also gain valuable life skills. The program teaches them responsibility and provides the opportunity to care for another living being.
M. Stringer, the director of APL, shared:
“I’ve had offenders tell me when they got an animal, it was the first time they can remember they were allowing themselves to care about something, to love something.”
The program instills responsibility, fosters non-violent problem-solving in group settings, and allows inmates to experience the unconditional love of a pet – something many of them have never known. Stringer added:
“It teaches them responsibility, how to interact in a group using non-violent methods to solve problems, and gives them the unconditional love of a pet – something many of these inmates have never known.”
Similar programs have been introduced in correctional facilities across the country. One prominent example is the Purrfect Pals program at the Monroe Correctional Complex.
These initiatives have been incredibly successful in achieving their goals.
However, it’s important to note that one of these programs sparked anger in some people.
Some felt that people convicted of serious crimes should not be allowed to keep cats in their cells, believing that not all inmates should be trusted with animals.
