# ACANA offers $10,000 to one cat lover to cuddle kittens at Best

**Published:** 2026-07-08T14:17:12.933Z  
**Topic:** Cash Cat  
**Sentiment:** neutral  
**Publisher:** TrendWatcher — https://www.trendwatcher.in/article/04b3489c-1d66-4366-a8f0-77dce07e6698

ACANA’s new “Kitten Cuddler” promotion pays $10,000 to a U.S. resident who spends a half‑day cuddling kittens in June 2024, alongside a $250,000 food donation.

ACANA ™ will pay $10,000 to a single winner who spends four hours cuddling kittens at a Best Friends Animal Society center in June 2024, part of a broader effort to support shelters during the busy “kitten season” [2].

| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Cash prize | $10,000 for one kitten cuddler |
| Food donation | 5,000 cases of wet kitten food (~$250,000 retail) |
| Contest window | March 27 – April 10, 2024 |
| Eligibility | U.S. residents, 18+, four‑hour availability in June |

## Promotion details and shelter impact  
The campaign, announced on March 27, 2024, pairs a $10,000 cash reward with a donation of 5,000 cases of wet kitten food, which ACANA estimates equals about 120,000 meals for kittens [1][2]. The food donation, valued at roughly $250,000 at retail, is intended to alleviate the strain shelters face during “kitten season,” the period from May through November when unspayed females produce most of their litters [2]. ACANA’s Vice President of Marketing, Billy Frey, said the initiative underscores the company’s commitment to both the nutritional and emotional needs of kittens [1].

## Contest mechanics and timeline  
Prospective “Kitten Cuddlers” must be U.S. residents aged 18 or older, able to devote four hours on a weekend in June 2024, and pass a background check. Applicants cannot have existing partnerships with competing pet‑food brands. Entries are accepted from March 27 through April 10, 2024, after which ACANA will select the winner to spend a half‑day at a Best Friends Animal Society lifesaving center or a network partner shelter [1][2].

## Broader shelter context  
Best Friends Animal Society, a leading national animal‑welfare organization, aims to end the killing of cats and dogs in U.S. shelters by 2025. The organization reports that its efforts have helped reduce annual shelter killings from an estimated 17 million to about 380,000, highlighting the scale of the challenge during kitten season [2].

## What to watch
- **Contest deadline:** April 10, 2024 – final day to submit entries.  
- **Cuddling event:** June 2024 – date when the winner will spend time with kittens.  
- **Food donation rollout:** April 2024 – when the 5,000 cases of wet kitten food are expected to be distributed to shelters.

The promotion blends a cash incentive with a substantial food donation, aiming to raise awareness and volunteer participation during a period when shelters face heightened demand for kitten care. Whether the $10,000 prize spurs broader community involvement remains to be seen.

## Sources
1. Petguide — [ACANA™ Pet Food Team Announces Nationwide Kitten Cuddler ...](https://www.petguide.com/pets/blog/contests/the-acana-pet-food-team-announces-nationwide-kitten-cuddler-promoti-44630248)
2. Prnewswire — [ACANA™ Pet Food Team Announces Nationwide Kitten-Cuddler ...](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/acana-pet-food-team-announces-nationwide-kitten-cuddler-promotion-and-underscores-need-for-shelter-support-during-kitten-season-302101170.html)

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Cite as: TrendWatcher, "ACANA offers $10,000 to one cat lover to cuddle kittens at Best", https://www.trendwatcher.in/article/04b3489c-1d66-4366-a8f0-77dce07e6698