The Hamilton County Animal AdvoCATes cat rescue is in need of cat litter and staff are willing to go to stinky lengths to fill the building’s shelves.

The Webster City rescue is hosting a Love Stinks fundraiser in February to help fund its spay and neuter bills. For every $50 donated on the nonprofit’s Facebook page through noon on February 14, they’ll write the name of the donor’s ex — or arch nemesis — in a litter box. Donors can then tune in to a Valentine’s Day livestream from 1 to 5 p.m. to watch the shelter’s kittens do their business in the litter box.

“We really wanted to do something different for Valentine’s Day this year,” Sunshine Duffy, Outreach and Development coordinator, said. “As we were looking for ideas, we came across this idea and thought we would give it a try. Our staff uses humor to get us through most days, so this one resonated, as it probably will with most people.”

Duffy said they’re hoping this unique fundraiser will reach those who potentially aren’t looking forward to Valentine’s Day, yet are also supportive of supporting animal rescues.

“We love inclusion, so why not let them celebrate something as well?” Duffy said, adding, “though some people may think the idea is in poor taste.”

The $50 Love Stinks donations will help the Hamilton County Animal AdvoCATes to fund spay and neuter surgeries for cats throughout Hamilton County.

“Hamilton County has a great need for services like ours to get feral cats fixed,” Duffy said. “We have individuals calling from all over the state asking us to help. We want to help as many cats as we can, but we are a small and new organization. We are licensed for Hamilton County only, so that limits the amount of help we can give out of our area. But we are always happy to help in finding another shelter or rescue that could be of assistance.”

The Hamilton County Animal AdvoCATes also works in communities to trap, neuter, and return cats as well as providing spay and neuter assistance programs, and cat adoption programs.

Donations for Love Stinks can be made on the nonprofit’s Facebook page or supplies can be dropped off at The Cat Hut, 1118 Second Street, Webster City.

Love Stinks: How it works

Donate $50 from January 29 to February 14 at noon on the Hamilton County Animal AdvoCATes Facebook page.

Private message them the name you’d like written in cat litter.

Tune in to their Facebook Live February 14 from 1-5 p.m.