Benson's Cares

10/31/2025

10/31/2025

💚 This week has been eye-opening. Buckle up- this is quite the read….

We’ve been reminded, once again, just how powerful community can be when we come together for a common goal — keeping pets in loving homes where they belong.

From a simple Facebook post reminding everyone that Benson’s Pet Center started a nonprofit - Benson’s Cares Pet Food Pantry - to help families in need… to being featured on the news, sharing how people can make appointments, donate, and get involved — the response has been nothing short of incredible.

In just the past two weeks, we’ve seen a dramatic 40-person increase in those reaching out for help. Behind each of those appointments is a pet who gets to stay with their family, a tail that keeps wagging, and a heart that stays full. 💕

At the start of this month, we promised to share how much food we’ve been able to distribute over the last 6 months — and the number still leaves us speechless:
49,085.63 pounds of food. 🐾
414 appointments.
Just this month alone: 9,523.2 pounds and 97 appointments.

Every pound represents love, hope, and the belief that no one should have to choose between feeding themselves and feeding their pet.

To everyone who has donated, shared our posts, spread the word, or supported us in any way — thank you. You are the reason this mission continues to grow. 💚

Let’s keep showing up for the pets and the people who love them. 🐶🐱

10/31/2025

Wow 🤩 thank you so much!!

10/29/2025

We only carry pet food in our pantry but we know some families may also have their own food insecurity. Here is a list in the Schenectady area of human food pantries who also might have pet food too if this is a closer option for some of you. Hope this helps!!

10/29/2025

Wow 🤩 Big thanks to Tim at !!

He saw us on the news and figured, what better time than now to go through what he had to donate to our pet food pantry.

10/28/2025

Cali building confidence and trust- even without treats 🍬

Cali is an 8 year young tortoiseshell cat. She is petit and learning to love and trust humans again, if she ever did. She is UTD on her 💉 and spayed. She came in with her two daughters that are also still here, Kiti and Boo. They have been here for 2 years and would love nothing more than to go home and finally live their best lives.

You may not be able to pick up Cali or her daughters. But their presence can certainly ease a stressful day. They will even hop on your lap- just give them time and patience. Boo needs a little more work. But after all they were abandoned twice- it would be hard for anyone to trust again after that…

10/27/2025

🐈‍⬛ Happy National Black Cat Day 🐈‍⬛

A couple interesting facts about black cats…
1. Good luck (in many cultures!) – While some Western superstitions see black cats as unlucky, in places like Japan, Scotland, and the UK, they’re actually seen as symbols of prosperity and good fortune.
2. They can “rust”! – Sunlight can cause some black cats’ fur to turn a reddish-brown or rusty color due to a pigment called pheomelanin.
3. They’re mini panthers – Many black cats look like tiny versions of wild panthers because they often have sleek coats and bright golden or green eyes.
4. Harder to photograph – Their dark fur can make them tricky to capture in photos, which is one reason black cats can be overlooked in adoption photos.
5. Shelter underdogs – Sadly, black cats are often adopted last in shelters due to myths or simply because their features are harder to see in photos.
6. Mysterious gene magic – The same gene that gives black cats their color also provides some protection against certain diseases, like HIV in humans.
7. They have their own day(s)! –
• National Black Cat Day (U.K.) – October 27
• National Black Cat Appreciation Day (U.S.) – August 17
8. Pirate superstition twist – Pirates believed a black cat walking toward you brought bad luck, but one walking away brought good luck!
9. Many breeds can be black – From Bombays (the classic “mini panther” breed) to Maine C***s, Oriental Shorthairs, and British Shorthairs, black cats appear in a variety of breeds.
10. They’re all unique – No two black cats are the same; some have hidden tabby stripes, white patches, or a secret shimmer visible only in sunlight.

10/27/2025

Please take a moment to wish our sweet senior girl Rosie a happy retirement!! She has found her forever home where she will beloved and cared for, for the rest of her golden years ✨ 💖 We couldn’t be happier for her!!

10/26/2025

Last day to shop for your furry family members favorite toys, while giving back to pets that are in need of food and necessary supplies.

Thank you!!

10/25/2025

We were able to get 7 of our cats updated vaccinations with ShotVet, today!! Thanks for all your help!

Some were a little easier than others but we got them done ✅ and they are ready to go home when the right adopters come 🏠

If you are someone who is patient, who loves a project/challenge, and eager to provide a loving home to a cat in need- let us help pair you up with one of our cats! We have some cats that may be a little more skiddish and stand-offish, but in the right environment, we believe they will become more social and learn to accept the love .