SAVANNAH, Ga. — In the midst of the ongoing government shutdown, a beloved local establishment is stepping in to ensure that family pets don’t go hungry. Pounce Cat Cafe, a cherished spot in Savannah, is extending a helping hand to families struggling with feeding their animal companions due to the suspension of SNAP benefits.

As many Georgians face the challenges brought on by the halt in government assistance, various organizations have rallied to combat hunger and food insecurity across the Coastal Empire and Lowcountry. Yet, amid these efforts, the needs of pets often go unnoticed. Recognizing this gap, Pounce Cat Cafe is making a difference for those furry family members.

Over the years, Pounce Cat Cafe has facilitated the adoption of approximately 1,700 cats, solidifying its role as a community fixture. Now, in response to the current crisis, the cafe is reaching out to provide much-needed support to families unable to adequately care for their pets. Ashley Brooks, the owner of Pounce Cat Cafe, has witnessed an outpouring of generosity from the community.

“We’ve definitely received a huge number of donations, including probably 100 cans of cat food,” Brooks shared. “I’m sure there will be plenty more deliveries coming in on Monday.”

With locations open in both downtown Savannah, Ga., and Charleston, S.C., Pounce Cat Cafe invites anyone in need of assistance during the shutdown to visit. Brooks is determined to spread the word about this vital resource, hoping more people can take advantage of the support available.

“People are very concerned with how people are going to feed their animals,” Brooks said. “We would hate for people to get rid of their animals because of the shutdown.”

Resources include cat and dog food, litter and other pet items, which, for the duration of the government shutdown, can be picked up every day from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., no questions asked.

The cafe owner is encouraging anyone who needs a hand to reach out via email or phone at 912-777-6181 if they need to arrange a pick-up time outside of business hours.

Those interested in helping the initiative can do so by bringing donations in person at 404 W Broughton St. in Savannah, by contributing through their Amazon wish list, or by donating through Venmo.

Brooks says Pounce Cat Cafe hopes to do more initiatives like this in the future and that when the government reopens, all donations will be given to the Humane Society of Greater Savannah, which also has an ongoing pet food pantry.

Other pet food pantries are available through One Love Rescue.