Adoptable cats at the Humane Society of Harrisburg Area have blankets to keep them comfortable while they wait for their permanent homes thanks to the efforts of Jan Morrow, who crochets several hundred blankets each year for donation. When the cats are adopted, the blankets stay with them in their new homes.

Each blanket measures about 15 by 15 inches and is designed to fit in the cats' crates. The blankets come in all colors and designs. "They are not exactly the same; each one is unique," said Morrow. "I take a picture of every one that I make because I don't like to make the same things twice. I do make special ones on holidays (like) Christmas and Valentine's Day."

She said that she got the idea to make the blankets from her cousin, who completed a similar project. "I saw what she was doing. I started and I can't quit. It's been years," said Morrow, who is a retired office manager. "If I work on it solidly, I can get one (blanket) done in two days. It could take me longer if I don't put the hours in each day."

Morrow, who has three cats of her own, delivers them to the Humane Society on a regular basis. "Whenever I get a bunch - 25 to 30 - I will take them," she said. "The cats love them."

To crochet the blankets, Morrow uses yarn that she purchases and yarn provided by others. "I buy yarn at yard sales or Goodwill," she stated. "My cousin who started me on this (project) gave me at least 50 skeins of yarn for Christmas. I have it separated by colors and stored in the basement."

In the past, Morrow has also made lap blankets for nursing home residents and made cat blankets for a veterinarian who visited the Humane Society and admired her handiwork.

Morrow said that she creates each blanket as it if were a work of art and that the effort benefits her as much as the cats. "l like doing it. When a painter paints artwork, that is what it feels like to me. I feel like a painter. I make a different one every time and do different patterns," she said. "It's good for me because it keeps me (busy) and keeps me doing something. It's more than just me giving something away."

The Humane Society is also thankful for Morrow's hard work. "(We appreciate) Jan so much for her continued support of the cats and kittens in our care. This means so much to all of us," said Amanda Brunish, director of marketing and outreach.

For more information about the Humane Society of Harrisburg Area and to view photos of adoptable cats and kittens, visit http://www.humanesocietyhbg.org.