Anthrocon 2025 chooses cat rescue group as charity

Fur meets purr: Anthrocon 2025 has named a cat rescue outfit as its official charity this year.

The McDonald-based nonprofit Nose 2 Tail Cat Rescue was selected as charity for Anthrocon 2025.

Anthrocon is the annual furry convention in Pittsburgh that attracts thousands of people wearing animal costumes. This year, it will take place from July 3-6 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center.

Every summer, anthropomorphics, otherwise known as furries — people dressed as human-like animal characters — travel from all over the world to the city for the four-day event. The group is a collection of artists, animators, writers, costumers, puppeteers and anyone who enjoys cartoon animals.

Anthrocon supports a local nonprofit each year. Since its founding in 1997, the convention has raised more than $340,000 for Pittsburgh-area organizations.

This year’s beneficiary, Nose 2 Tail Cat Rescue, is a volunteer-run, no-kill shelter and small foster network. It cares for 20-40 homeless cats and kittens at a time, and since becoming a nonprofit in 2018, it has found home for over 700 cats — with a low return rate.

The rescue also provides a safe haven for cats with complex needs, such as special medical or behavioral challenges.

“When I applied last summer to be considered as the benefiting charity, I didn’t even think our little rescue had a chance at being selected,” said Sandi Eaton, director of Nose 2 Tail. “When I got the notice at the end of January, I was in complete disbelief.

“I adore the Furries and this entire community. They’re an amazing group of people who bring so much joy to the city each summer. I look forward to this weekend every year — and now we get to be a special part of it.”

Community events at Nose 2 Tail include:

• Storytime Snuggles – Children read to cats in a calm environment
• Pinot & Paws – A wine night for cat lovers
• Cozy Cat Chapters – A silent reading club for adults
• Be in the Meow – A relaxing cat-themed yoga session
• Bean-Go – BINGO with cats and cat-themed prizes
• Mystic Meows – Tarot readings and Halloween magic with cats

Nose 2 Tail operates the Kitty Take-Out Pantry, a neighborhood resource offering free pet supplies to help families in need care for their animals, as well.

Money that the rescue receives from Anthrocon 2025 will go toward needs such as veterinary care, food and shelter.

Nose 2 Tail hopes to have a permanent facility one day. The rescue said it hopes the Anthrocon funds bring it one step closer to that goal.

“This will really help us get ahead and hopefully give us a solid foundation to dream even bigger,” Eaton said. “We’re honored to be the first cat-exclusive rescue to be chosen.”