Frequently Asked Questions
For Donors
How much of my donation actually reaches the rescue?
When you donate a box, we ship that box to the rescue. Hide & Scratch makes a modest profit to keep the program running long-term, but everything is priced below retail to make donor dollars go further. The more you donate, the lower the cost per box — a full case drops to just $10/box because shipping spreads across 15 units instead of being charged per item. Compared to Amazon wishlists (where Amazon takes a cut and also any shipping savings on multi-unit orders), this program delivers significantly more value to rescues.
Is my donation tax-deductible?
It depends on the rescue. If they're a registered 501(c)(3), they can send you a tax receipt directly. Not all listed rescues are 501(c)(3)s — some are fosters, TNR groups, or informal rescues — so if tax deductibility matters to you, check with the specific rescue first. Tax treatment also depends on your situation, so please consult your tax advisor.
Will the rescue know I donated?
Yes. We share your contact info with the rescue so they can thank you personally and send a tax receipt. If you'd prefer to donate anonymously, you can indicate that at checkout.
Can I donate to a rescue that's not listed?
Not yet — donations only go to rescues currently listed in our directory. But you can help change that: let your favorite rescue know about Give a Cat a Box and send them our request to be listed form. It's free and takes a few minutes for them to sign up. Once they're approved, you'll be able to donate to support them.
Can I choose box colors or toy types?
Not at this time. Colors and toy types rotate to keep the program simple and efficient. Every donation includes quality products that cats love.
How long does shipping take?
Orders ship within 1-2 business days and typically arrive within 5-7 business days.
For Rescues
How do we join the program?
Fill out our request to be listed form with your organization name, location, a few links (website, Facebook, or Instagram), and a short note about your rescue. We review every request and will be in touch shortly.
Do we have to be a registered 501(c)(3) to participate?
No, you don't need to be a 501(c)(3). We welcome fosters, TNR groups, informal rescues, and registered nonprofits alike. We just ask for a little context about your work when you request to be listed.
How much does it cost to join?
Zero. No enrollment fees, no ongoing costs, no platform fees. It's completely free.
Can we use the products for fundraisers or raffles?
Absolutely. Use them however helps your rescue most — for the cats in your care, raffle prizes, fundraisers, foster supplies, whatever you need.
Will we know who donated?
Yes. We'll email you when donations come in and share donor contact info so you can send thank-you notes and tax receipts.
Can we update our page after it's live?
Yes. You'll have a dedicated access link where you can update your address, photos, description, and social links anytime. If you can't find your link, email giveacatabox@hideandscratch.com and we'll resend it.
What if we need to pause or opt out?
You can opt out anytime through your access link. If you need to pause temporarily, email giveacatabox@hideandscratch.com and we'll take care of it.
How do we add the program to our website?
Once your page is live, you'll be provided with a logo badge and HTML snippet in your portal that you can add to your website or donation page.
Additional Questions
For questions not answered here, contact giveacatabox@hideandscratch.com.