The votes have been tallied in the latest Shelter Challenge, and eight rescues will be receiving a total of $34,000 in cash and supplies to help their rescued animals.

The Full Bloom Shelter Challenge – sponsored by The Animal Rescue Site and GreaterGood – allowed fans to vote for their favorite shelter or rescue group every day. The contest wrapped a few days ago, and the winning shelters have been determined. The grand prize winner, receiving $10,000 in cash and $3,000 worth of supplies, is The Cat House on the Kings. This rescue, which features a house and large property completely run by cats, plans to use the money to tackle the onslaught of kitten season, while the supplies will help enrich the lives of cats and kittens living on site.

CATS ENJOYING SUPPLIES FROM PAST CHALLENGES. PHOTO: THE CAT HOUSE ON THE KINGS

The Cat House on the Kings says, "We are thrilled to have won this Shelter Challenge, just as the kitten flood gates open up! Our plan is to use the prize money for spay and neuter so we can slow down the spigot of unhoused kittens. The awarded supplies make the journey of recovery, growth, and wellness much more joyous for the cats and kittens so we always look forward to those."

The second-place winner, North Carolina-based Blind Cat Rescue & Sanctuary, Inc., is home to blind cats deemed unadoptable by mainstream shelters. They also house cats with other health issues. They plan to use their prize money ($5,000) for medical care, a huge expense for rescues. The $2,500 worth of supplies they’re receiving will also make things more comfortable and fun for their feline charges.

PHOTO: BLIND CAT RESCUE & SANCTUARY, INC.

Alana Miller, founder, president, and CEO of Blind Cat Rescue, says, "We have seniors, FIV- and leukemia-positive cats at BCR so our medical bills have increased dramatically. We promise every cat who comes to BCR a safe forever home and the best care possible and that includes regular routine medical visits as well as specialized care for specific conditions. The supplies will be used in all our cat rooms to provide them with things that enrich their lives - soft beds, blankets, kitty houses to play and sleep in, toys - they all help our cats live their best lives at BCR."

Miller adds that they appreciate the chance to participate in Shelter Challenge contests, which aim to help rescues like BCR further their mission of helping rescue animals. Your votes help!

PHOTO: BLIND CAT RESCUE & SANCTUARY, INC.

Rounding out the top finishers, Pennsylvania-based Speranza Animal Rescue took third place, winning $1,500 in prize money and $2,000 worth of supplies. Runners up, receiving a total of $2,000 in cash and supplies, are Stray Rescue of St. Louis, American Belgian Malinois Rescue, Texas Airedale Rescue, Burge Bird Rescue, and Purrfect Pals.

Thanks for your votes in the Full Bloom Shelter Challenge!

Join us for the Pawsitively Picture Perfect challenge today to win $500 for yourself and $2,000 in cash and supplies for your favorite shelter. Submit a story about your furbaby before May 15 to compete!

PHOTO: THE CAT HOUSE ON THE KINGS