In 2016, James won the youth division of Cat Olympics at Cat Town's Meow at the Moon fundraiser — perfectly pantomiming a cat's prowess with speed and style. James has visited our cats for years with his family, and this month, he became a monthly donor to help us secure our $10,000 challenge match. Here's what he had to say about becoming a Cat Town supporter at age 13:

Why did you become a monthly donor, and what impact do you hope to make?

*James after winning Cat Town’s Cat Olympics in 2016.*

I don't remember my earliest visits to Cat Town because I was so young, but what always stands out to me is how friendly and well taken care of the cats are. You can see that cats who used to be scared aren't scared anymore. That shows they've made a lot of improvement, and that Cat Town has done a great job helping them.

I'm happy and proud to be able to support these cats, and I hope that my monthly donations can help with dental care at Cat Town. My cat Butterfly had dental surgery a few months ago. Before her surgery, she was really unhappy and irritated. She hissed a lot and was in a bad mood. After her surgery she's really sweet again. I'm glad she feels better.

Is there anything you want to tell our community — people or cats?

*James with one of his cats, Butterfly.*

To people: if you want to help animals in your community, I think volunteering and donating is a great way to start. When you volunteer your own time to a rescue like Cat Town, the staff can accomplish even more. And when you donate, an animal who needs surgery or other care can get it — things that volunteers can’t do and that cost money to provide.

To the cats waiting to be adopted: don't worry, someone who you'll like and who'll like you will find you, and you'll get to be in a family. You're safe now, and your life will get even better.

Thank you to James and the 36 other supporters who have become monthly donors so far this month. We've secured more than 50% of our $10,000 challenge match — which means these monthly contributions will be doubled for the next 6 months. Our staff and cats are so grateful!