Clancy

Sept. 2022 Update  Clancy had the best life any cat could wish for with the couple who adopted him.  He shared his time equally between them to get the most cuddles and lap time possible when he wasn't in the window watching the birds and wildlife.  We are very sad to bring the news that Clancy had a rather sudden diagnosis of cancer and was with the Foster Home for just over a year in his dream home.  However, the time he had were absolutely perfect and he loved his life there very much.  We are very grateful they adopted him and gave him such a loving home.  They knew his history of cancer even though he had been free of it for a few years.  They adored him and enjoyed having him in their family. We are so glad he had so much love in his two homes after rescue from a hard outdoors life.  

Nov. 2021 Update  Clancy's foster recently mom passed away and he was with her to the last moment.  We are happy to announce that Clancy has a wonderful new home with a couple we have known for many years.  They had recently lost their precious kitty to a sudden devastating disease and we are glad they have taken Clancy under their wings.  He loves his new home and we are very happy that he will now continue to be able to share love again.     

January 2019

update: Clancy’s surgery was a great success and the large mass was totally removed.  However, biopsy results showed that he does have cancer in the lymph nodes that is untreatable.  This was a great disappointment.  However, he may have a long time left – it is unknown whether it might be two months or two years...  It has now been over a month since surgery and Clancy is still doing really well and enjoying life.  He is eating well and seeming totally normal and “healthy” at this point.  Clancy lives in the present, so we will too and just enjoy every day to the fullest. 

December 2018

Update on Clancy :   Clancy is a very affectionate kitty who loves to be carried around or sit in a lap.  He is a hugger.  When we rescued Clancy his eyes and ears were so messy with infection he could hardly see or hear and his mouth was also a disaster.  We did everything he needed to feel better, including dental surgery and eye surgery.  We then placed him in our Long Term Senior Foster Program where he is well cared for and gets 24/7 attention and all the love he has always wanted.  He loves the indoors life and is feeling good for the first time in many years.    

However, although his blood tests are good and he appears healthy, Clancy developed a mass on the side of his head behind his ear.  We have provided ongoing care but the mass slowly enlarged to where he now needs surgery by a specialist.  We have had a biopsy and CT scans and his surgery is on December 13.     

Clancy will need a lot of follow-up care to get through this.  The expenses are high and we need your help for this sweet and lovable kitty.  Clancy loves everyone he meets and everyone loves him.  We hope the surgery is a success and that he can have many years ahead.  He deserves a good life after all he has been through.  

Our vet and the specialist have been very kind with discounts, but his surgical needs for the mass (so far, although large, considered not malignant...) are complex and we need a lot of help to give him the care he needs and deserves.  Please see our "donate" section for ways to donate towards Clancy's vet expenses.  Also please see our Facebook page where we have auctions every weekend with proceeds currently going to Clancy.  Thank you for your help.  It takes teamwork!

May 2018

Clancy is in a senior foster home.  He still needs surgeries in May for his eyes and teeth.

Clancy is a very affectionate and sweet fellow (except when getting his eye drops).  He is very loving and he is very happy to have a “mom” who gives him all the cuddling he needs.  We hope to get all of his conditions taken care of in May so he will be pain-free for the first time in many years. 

Buddy Bear

Buddy Bear was a lovely 20-year-old senior.  He was a very sweet and lively old gentleman.  Even with his severe arthritis and kidney disease, he liked to trek around the house.  He had an interesting personality and was well loved the two years we had him at the end of his life.  He was truly one of a kind!

August 2017 update:  Buddy Bear passed away from Kidney disease at age 20 (or 21 maybe!).  We had hoped we had a lot more time ahead with our dear dear Buddy. I think he was with us about 2 years.  He was a very sweet old gentleman.  He had coped well with his arthritis and being nearly blind. He was a brave little guy and we will always have very fond memories of him.

Molly

Molly had a great life with two of the seniors in our program.  She was a devoted companion.  It was a surprise when she was diagnosed with diabetes, hyperthyroidism, and soon after pancreatitis.  This very loving kitty was very dear and will be missed who all had the privilege of knowing her.

Oliver

September 2024 update:  Oliver, a beautiful and charming Ragdoll, after rescue had three loving homes with three amazing women who enjoyed his company.  The first two were foster moms who he outlived.  Then he was adopted and had the best time of his life.  His "mom" loved him very much (even with his litter box issue...) and they had a loving bond that would be the envy of any cat.  For the last couple of years he dealt with health issues but kept defying the odds for as long as possible.  He will be remembered by many for his endearing personality and sweet nature.

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Oliver is a big soft kitty who loves his life with an older senior in our Long Term Senior Foster Program.  Oliver’s “mom” had a stroke a few years ago.  Oliver has been a wonderful companion for her.  He is happy and healthy and they have been together for a few years.  When we first got Oliver he had been peeing in inappropriate places in a busy household.  In the quiet home of this lovely senior and her homecare worker Oliver has flourished and has been a very good kitty.  This is the perfect match for Oliver and for his mom.  We hope they have many more years together ahead.

Update on Oliver  June 20, 2018

Oliver’s foster mom went into a nursing home. Oliver is now in a wonderful new foster home in a senior independent living building.  He immediately adjusted to his new home and new mom and is having a wonderful time.  There are many visitors and he interacts with all of them and is very friendly.  Oliver is a rare kitty who is a people-lover and always congenial.  Although he is almost larger than his mom, he does sit in her lap.  Oliver’s foster mom is able to donate for his food which is very helpful.

Tremain

In Memory of Tremain

July 2017

 It is with great sadness that we tell you that Tremain had a malignant tumour which was inoperable.  Tremain, a senior around 14 or 15, had been a lovable, feisty, and truly unique cat all his life and his foster mom was with him today when he went to sleep and passed away quietly.  We brought him from CCAR when we left to start our new rescue in 2009.  He had a fun foster home with a dog, then two more homes from which he was returned, and then found his true love foster mom who provided his dream-come-true forever home.  They had a strong bond and a wonderful life together. Tremain mellowed out in this relationship and even joined her for "Quilting NIght" in her apartment building where he let the others pet him.  He had many cute personality traits.  He was affectionate but could strike out if overstimulated and this had decreased with age (except when he had to go to the vet!).  His tumour came on suddenly and escalated quickly so he had only a short bad time and had a pain patch.  Luckily we got the results today so he did not have to suffer.  We only make this excruciating decision when a cat has a condition that cannot be cured and he would suffer.  In this case, we did not even have a bit more time to provide.  He had a wonderful retirement the last several years and now his mom feels he is at the Rainbow Bridge.

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About Tremain

Tremain was only hours away from being put down when we got a call from the vet who thought we might want to take him under our wing. We did indeed! He was another nice fellow who went absolutely crazy when trapped and caged and gave the appearance of being wild and un-adoptable. Once presented with a comfy sofa he was a tame kitty!

Tremain is a lovely orange boy who is quite congenial. He gets along well with other cats and dogs and seems to enjoy the indoor life. He is friendly and affectionate without being mushy or dependent. Once Tremain trusts someone, he does enjoy sitting in their lap. He loves a nice pat on the head and scratch under the ears.

A nice big fuzzy bed in a sunny window is Tremain’s favorite hangout. He naps awhile and then watches the yard and street. He loves his food and is easy to please. Tremain is probably best around adults and not small children, as he can get very frisky at play time!

Tremain would do well in an apartment where the person went to work every day as he is easily able to accept long hours of quality alone time in a nice sunny window. He would be happy to greet you at the door in the evening and spend the night being your companion. He would also, of course, be fine with someone who is home all day and would probably follow them from room to room. He’s a great cat and we hope he has a great life ahead.

Tremain is currently in a foster home with a dog and doing just fine, but needs a permanent home of his own.

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Update June 2012

Tremain is now in a permanent home in our Senior Foster Program.  He is doing really well and loves his "mom".  He is affectionate, follows her everywhere, and is being a good boy (learning not to bite!).  It took four years but Tremain has found his perfect match for a permanent home!

Update May 2012

Tremain now has a permanent senior foster home where he adores his "mom".  They have a great relationship and his long years of waiting for the right home are now over.  His mom loves him very much and understands him.  It was a perfect match worth waiting for!

Update February 2012

Tremain is now alone in his room which he greatly prefers.  He is very affectionate and sweet when there are no other cats around him.  He likes a lot of cuddling, including a desire for intense "kneading", and then likes to take a nap on a person he knows well.  However, at some point he goes off on his own and entertains himself with his toys. Tremain would do well in a quiet home with one person who is at work five days a week.  

Update May 2011

Tremain is relaxing here and getting along fairly well with everyone.  He still enjoys his alone time more than sharing with other cats.  Sienna (in the Cats in Care section) does like go to in his room which he allows a bit begrudgingly.  He likes petting but is not as demanding as in the past.

Update April 2011

Tremain is back with us and awaiting a foster or permanent home.  He can be a bit feisty, especially around other cats or if over stimulated.  He could be happy with a single person or couple and is very affectionate but can be demanding and wants attention frequently when the people are home.  He is a special boy who needs a special home.  He has had many homes and we hope he can find one where he can stay forever.

Cowboy

Update:

Cowboy never did get an adoptive home due to his feisty nature.  However, he loved his life here at the rescue where he spent many years.  He was a unique kitty and one we will always remember.  (We had a lengthy obituary on our Facebook page if you like to read it.)

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January 2019 update.  Cowboy is now being treated for pancreatitis.  He is doing well with his treatment and we will post an update as time goes by.

Cowboy is an adult male who lost his home when a baby was about to arrive.  He had become feisty and bit the dad and it seemed too risky to the couple to keep him so they had to make the tough decision to surrender.  Cowboy does not do well with other male cats so he was not a good candidate for the SPCA.  

Cowboy is a gorgeous polydactyl kitty and has 7 toes on his big front feet which look like huge mittens.  He is not fond of people and likes only minimal interaction.  If treats are involved he can be petted for a few seconds at most.   He is very expressive and when a nap is interrupted he can look like Grumpy Cat.  

Cowboy is healthy and has no medical issues.  It would be good if he got a bit of exercise as he is a teensy bit chubby.  He is a quiet cat who likes to nap a lot.

Cowboy needs a home with great patience since much trust-building is needed and he will always be an independent type.  He is available for a foster or adoptive home, but we would require that the potential adopter come to visit him several times first to get to know him and be sure they are able to deal with this type of cat.  He is capable of biting so can only be around mature adults who understand that he needs to be given space.  We must keep in mind he was surrendered due to being capable of striking out and not considered safe to be around children.  

He would be best as an only-cat or with one female cat as he seems to get along with non dominant females who he ignores but at least has no problem with them.  He needs a 100% indoors home with no assess to the outside as he would be an escape risk.  

He is a great cat for someone who loves cats but does not need a cuddly cat.  He is an interesting fellow who is happy with lots of quality alone time.  He would be a great "roommate" for someone who is gone to work during the day.  Over time he could be a great companion for the right person.

Archie

"Archie passed away from kidney disease in early 2021.  He was one of the best cats we ever had.  Archie had had a rough life but at the rescue he had a senior who visited him several days a week and let him sit in her lap for two hours every time. Archie was a real sweetheart and will be missed and remembered every day."

August 2019 update on Archie: Archie became a stray when his owner died. Archie has kidney and thyroid conditions and has again developed a skin condition. He is doing well and with treatment his hair is growing in over bald spots. Archie has a sponsor, Denis, who has donated monthly for several years to cover his food and meds. Archie now also has senior visitor, Pat, who is his best friend. She visits him several times a week. She is his best friend and her visits are the highlights of his day. He loves his one or two hours of lap time and we are thrilled that he can have this attention and love. He is a great kitty.

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Archie became a stray after his owner died. He came to us with broken toes and was somewhat in bad condition due to being attacked by other cats. He is FIV positive now after a rough time outside. He is an adult neutered male.

It took awhile for Archie to heal and he also had a skin condition that is now under good control with proper food. He is a sweet cat who gets along with other cats but can be dominant and pushy with some. Archie is fine with people he knows but with new people he is not only super shy but can be very very scared. Archie needs a home with an extreme amount of patience as he does not like change at all. After all he has been through and the time he has been here recuperating (fine now though!) he thinks of this as his home and has panicked when meeting new people. With patience he could be a very nice companion.

Archie must be 100% indoors (secure screens in windows and no patio time) as he would be an escape risk due to being easily scared of new circumstances. An apartment or condo with door to a hallway (not outside) and enclosed sunroom would be best for him.

With his FIV positive status he is healthy now. We cannot predict the future but hope he has many years ahead without health issues.

Amelia and Lily

Amelie – Mother, 6 years old

Lily – Daughter, 5 years old

"2020 update":  Sadly, over a year's time, both Amelia and then Lily passed away due to cancer.  Each one was given extra care at the end to be sure they got as much more nice time in their loving home as possible

December 2017 Update

Amelia and Lily finally found a great home.  They are with one lovely woman who has a quiet lifestyle that suits them very well.  They are really blossoming with her!

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Their Story

Where they came from…

 Amelie lived on the streets for a good part of her first year of life. She had a litter of 4 and moved them around a neighbourhood in Esquimalt to keep them safe for a few weeks when finally a human found them in her garage and made a call to have them rescued. Amelie and the kittens were cared for by Linda and her team at Helping Homeless Cats. The kittens were separated from their mom in order to help them to become more adoptable (as they had varying degrees of a feral nature).

 Amelie and one of her children, Lily, were reunited after about 6 months of being apart and they bonded immediately.

Their natures…

 Amelie is a very shy and a little skittish. She likes to observe and get to know you and will likely never approach you. This doesn’t mean, however, that she doesn’t crave cuddles. When she is in her comfortable place on her scratch board and you approach her with her comb she becomes very open to your loving touch and petting. She actually really likes to have her ears gently pulled! Last year Amelie ended up with a serious dental issue and all of her teeth had to be removed. She now has the freshest breath and is very happy – and she still is able to eat her favourite dry food! She is very playful, especially at night when the humans have gone to sleep – we know this because we find her favourite mouse toy in the most unusual places each morning.

 Lily is very shy and will hide from view initially … but once she warms up to her human friends she is incredibly loveable and craves cuddles - she becomes completely submissive and like jelly in your hands. She will approach you and jump up on the bed or the sofa to keep you warm and happy with her purring. We think she should have been called Scout because she always likes to be the first to see what’s going on. She loves playing with ping pong balls, and the laser light!

 It’s best to ignore them initially until they’ve had time to listen to your voices and smell your scent… And when their human friends are seated either at the table, or perhaps watching TV, they will emerge from their hiding places and come to check you out – tentatively at first and then with more and more confidence.

 The girls have never shown any aggressive tendencies towards each other or humans. They are very loving towards each other (with the occasional family spat!)

Cheddar

I'm a survivor though I may not look like one - yet. About 3 weeks ago I was first spotted on a farm looking for food. Life was tough and getting tougher. Something was making my ears itch so badly that I scratched till I was bleeding and still I itched. Food had been scarce for a long time, and many of my teeth were broken so even if I could catch something, I couldn't eat it properly. I found some old rained-on dog food at the farm and I ate it but I was still hungry. I hung around and found that the people there left little bowls of dry food out but I couldn't eat it very well because my teeth were hurting so much and it was hard.

I was desperate so one day I called out to the lady on the deck. She put out some great smelling food only it was in a metal wire box and I was scared to eat it so I went hungry again. The next day she put out fish but I was still too frightened of that box so I went hungry. Then she put out some other food that smelled so good and I was so hungry I went in the box to eat it. And I was trapped. I ate the food and then tried to get out but couldn't. When the sun came up again the lady came out and put a cover over me and I hissed at her. I wanted help but not like this. Another lady came and put me in a car and took me to a terrible place where it smelled like medicine and there were strange people looking at me and trying to poke me with something. I fought as hard as I could but they got me and I fell asleep.

When I woke up I was in a big metal wire box they called a “pen” and it had warm blankets over it and a comfy place for me to rest. I felt awful but there was food and lots of it and water, and a soft dry place to sleep. The new lady comes and puts more food in (she says it has antibiotics in it) and I hide in the corner because I am scared but maybe it isn't too bad if there's food and I feel a little better each day.

The lady who "trapped" me named me Cheddar because she read a book where a cat named Cheddar survived a fire, and she says I'm a survivor even though the doctors thought they couldn't save me as I was too far gone they said. This is me now, but soon I will get strong and well again and be beautiful like in the past.

And maybe one day my teeth won't hurt so much and I will be free and able to hunt again – or maybe I’ll get to have a cozy home indoors with a life of luxury someday. I'll keep hoping.

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Update January 2016

Cheddar had a fabulous home where he really came out of his shell and enjoyed life to the fullest. He is a very special kitty who has left us now but with us forever in spirit.

Update December 2011

Cheddar, now renamed Murray, is our success story of the year.  He was adopted by a wonderful woman who understands his gentle soul.  He is progressing rapidly beyond our greatest hopes.  For many months here in the beginning he wouldn't even lift his little head and now he actually comes up to greet his new "mom" and loves cuddling and sleeping with her.  The adoption of Cheddar is the most heart-warming event of our year of 2011 and he was adopted on New Year's Eve.

Update November 2011

Cheddar is now very affectionate and loves being held and petted.  He is nervous for a few minutes around strangers, but then warms up quickly.  He has come a long ways!

Update August 2011

Cheddar has had his dental surgery and is recovering nicely.  If approached slowly and gently he now enjoys lots of petting, even including tummy petting.  He is making huge advancements!

Update July 2011

Cheddar has recovered from his injuries but is still exhausted from a long time on the ground.  He is beginning to gain weight and eats well, although he still awaits his dental surgery.  He is not strong enough yet for the required sedation, but we hope he will be up to the surgery in a couple of months. At that time he will need some kind donations so he can go through this last step in his recovery.  Cheddar is a nice cat who is beginning to accept petting and trust us more each week. 

Chi Chi Louise

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     Chi Chi Louise got the loving home she deserved.  However, in less than a year she was struck with a devastating illness.  She had all vet care possible and losing her was devastating to her family.  Many of us will have good memories of Chi Chi and are glad she did end up in a loving home even if she did not have a long life.  This is a photo of Chi Chi Louise in her home.

Update May 2016

Chi Chi Louise, after a very long wait, has found her perfect forever home with a wonderful couple who will give her a lot of love.

Skipper aka Biggles.

About Skipper aka Biggles

Biggles had two wonderful foster moms over the 11 years he was in our program. Finally at age 21 his health issues became too great and we had to say goodbye. We will always have fond memories of him.

SEE UPDATE BELOW BIO

Hi, I'm Skipper. I am glad to be at the rescue and love being indoors where it is cozy and safe since the outdoors does have many dangers. I developed a very bad ear condition that got worse and worse. I now have a large mass in my left ear that is painful, infected, and very messy. I try to keep my ear clean by washing it often but it is very difficult.

I came to the rescue and they immediately took me to the vet. I had a full exam, blood tests, FIV test (negative), flea treatment, and deworming. I had an antibiotic shot for the infection in my ear. Next week I will be sedated so they can look into the ear and maybe the mass will be removed.

I don't like talking about myself, but I have heard people around me saying that I am a very sweet guy. They refer to me as a 10-year-old neutered male. I really like all people. I have a gentle personality and I am very good-natured. However, this painful ear can make me a bit testy if someone touches that ear.

Right now Helping Homeless Cat is seeking donations for my surgery. Please see our donation section to donate by Internet or by cheque.

After my ear is repaired and I have recovered I will be looking for a home. I think a Long Term Senior Foster Home would be a dream come true for me. However, I could also be adopted by a person or family who would be able to handle any future vet bills since I am a senior. Even though my health is good (other than my major ear problem), in the coming years I will reach an age when most of us require some vet care. I'm not sure yet what future care my ear may require.

I am napping a lot now. Having this kind of infection is making me tired. The rescue is posting updates about me on Facebook. I wish I didn't have this condition and I'm sorry to have to ask for help, but sometimes in life we all need to do that... Thank you, everyone for listening.

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Update on Biggles June 2018

Biggles has now enjoyed well over a year with his new foster mom and they are immensely happy together! He is a very calm guy and likes to nap a lot.  We think he is now around 16.  He is on kidney and thyroid medication and takes these easily in his food.  We have a visit from him now and then when his foster mom, who is in her 90’s, goes to visit family for a few days.  Biggles is a beautiful and sweet kitty, looking younger than his years.  His foster mom is able to donate towards his care which is very helpful.

 

July 2017 update

Biggles is welcoming visitors to his senior foster home – family members who are coming temporarily due to the fires in their home areas.  Biggles is getting even more attention than usual!  He is feeling so well now that he is acting like a kitten – although we know he is an older senior.  We are so happy for him.  We hope his mom’s family can soon hear good news from their home and return.

May 2017 update

Sadly, Biggles’ senior foster mom passed away.  Earlier this year he was temporarily with another senior foster mom and when the news came that he could not go back to his earlier home his new foster mom had fallen in love with him and kept him.  He is having a wonderful time with her.  He is so congenial!  He loves everyone.  He enjoys the many visits from her family too.

2016 update

Biggles’ ear situation worsened and he had major surgery in his other ear, the same as he had before.  His ear problems are now over!  He had another great year with his mom and has a great life.

2015 update

“Biggles” has had more vet care for his ear conditions but has no other health issues.  He has been enjoying the constant attention of his senior foster mom and sits in her lap and sometimes nudges her out and takes over the chair!  He is a sweetheart and she enjoys his company very much.

2014 update

Skipper has been renamed Biggles!  He has a fabulous senior foster home with a lovely woman from England.  He is her constant companion and takes walks down the hallway with her.  He now has the wonderful like he deserves where he is treated like a king!

 

October 2013 update

Skipper is now renamed Biggles and is in a fabulous Senior Foster Home. He is settling in nicely and very comfortable.  He loves people and this is an ideal home for our special boy!  He will continue to be checked at his vet so that the condition of his ears can be kept under control.

August 2013 update

Skipper has had two ear surgeries and is doing MUCH better! He is recovering nicely. He will require follow-up vet visits and perhaps more procedures in the future if the mass grows back. We would love to place Skipper in a long-term loving senior foster home where we can monitor him and provide any needed vet care in the future. He is very affectionate and cuddly but does not like other cats. He needs to be indoors-only.

Honey

About Honey

November 2018 update: Honey had an ultrasound after she had become ill. It showed she had extensive cancer that could not be cured. It was sad to say goodbye to her as she had been in our senior program for 11 years with her foster mom who just turned 99. Honey was a wonderful and beautiful kitty and we miss her very much.

Honey is in a Permanent Senior Foster home and is doing exceptionally well. She loves her mom and spends all of her time by her side. Honey is a very smart cat and does amazing things every day! Honey is a very sweet and beautitful girl who has her "mom" very well trained. Honey, of course, is royalty!

June 2018 update

Honey has now been with her foster mom (now almost 99 years old) for over 10 years! Her mom adores her and Honey adores her mom. Her mom swears Honey is the smartest cat who ever lived and she has lots of proof. Honey is an amazing kitty and looks younger than her teenage years. She recently gave us a scar with not eating, but after testing and X-rays was found to be okay and bounced back the next day. She just wanted to keep us on our toes. She does need eye ointment now and then when her eyes are inflamed but they improve quickly. She and her mom have a daily routine and are super happy. When I go to cut her nails she hides in obvious places and then resigns herself to the task. Honey’s mom is able to donate for her needs which is a huge help. We simply provide support and are a back-up for when Honey’s mom is gone for a rare day or two. We hope both Honey and her mom have many more good times ahead!

Rooby

We finally had to say goodbye to elderly Rooby in 2020.  She had a great home with a senior in our program and spent almost all of her time in her lap.  She had been outdoors living on a porch for her whole life until them. Rooby had a wonderful retirement and loved her home.  She was a wonderful affection and smart tabby who we miss a lot.

About Rooby

Rooby is a very healthy (confirmed on exam and blood tests) 17-year-old female who is looking for a home. She needs a home of her own because she is afraid of other cats. She was mostly outdoors over the years but now needs to retire to a safe 100% indoors home. Rooby is a super affectionate and friendly cat who would love to be someone’s full-time companion. She is a candidate for adoption or for our Long Term Senior Foster Program.

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June 2018 update

Rooby continues to spend most of her life on her senior foster mom’s lap. She is a darling old girl, maybe 19 or 20 by now.  She does get dehydrated and we administer subcutaneous fluids.  She doesn’t like it but does put up with it.  She is doing well on  Semintra for her kidney condition and will usual eat her renal care diet but does like her Fancy Feast! 

 

Update July 2017

Rooby, now 18, is doing well on her kidney medication.  She loves her foster mom and spends a lot of time on her lap.  They will be moving together to an assisted living facility soon.

 

Update April 2016

Rooby is in a senior foster home and doing well, happy to have the lap of a lovely lady to sit in.

Mr. Mittens

2020 Update Mr. Mittens had a great life in his wonderful foster home. Unfortunately, kidney disease eventually led to the need to say goodbye so that he would not suffer.

About Mr. Mittens

SEE UPDATES BELOW

Hi folks,

I was called Mr. Mittens by the family feeding me after I became homeless a couple of years ago. Before that my meals were from garbage cans and it was very humiliating to have to find food that way – and I must say “food” is hardly the definition of the stuff I was finding that was even somewhat edible. Anyway, those days are behind me and I’ve been assured I will never be homeless again.

I am around 6 and strikingly handsome, if I do say so myself. My face has great character and I am big and strong and muscular. I’m wearing what they call a “grey tuxedo” and my fur is becoming velvety after a couple of years of being more in the “old theater carpet” category… I am neutered, had a vet exam, and was dewormed and flea treated on intake at the rescue. I am now the new kid at the orphanage.

I was surviving okay but felt miserable a lot of the time because I had SO many flea bites and an allergic reaction to them AND I had an ulcer in my mouth. I received shots for both of these conditions and I healed very quickly. Oh, yes, I am FIV negative too!

I am very, very affectionate and demand petting and lots of attention. However, I get so very excited that I haven’t been able to stop myself from sometimes biting. Do you understand a cat like me and know how to communicate with me? I would like to improve my behavior so I can get a good home with a good person and I don’t really mean to hurt anyone!

Because I come across as dominant, I am not yet out of my pen and in with the other guys. I don’t like being in “jail”, yet I’m not to sure I want to intermingle with those other cats here. That is why it is very important for me to get a foster home of my own and, ideally, a permanent home of my own. I might need to be an only cat – but I have enough love that I’m all you will ever need.

I need an indoors home where I will now be safe and warm and need not be “on guard” anymore. It was stressful being outside and fending off dangers on a daily basis. I am probably lucky to be alive! Can you help me??

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June 2018 update

Mr. Mittens continues to have a stable and secure life in his foster home with people who love him. He still loves to put his head on people’s feet.  He is stable on his thyroid medication and still takes Prednisone every few days for his skin condition.  We had a scare last year when he ingested a bit of dried flowers from a bouquet, but he recovered quickly.  “Mitty” is a great kitty.  He is with adults who are not seniors but was placed in our program because over a long time no one chose him for adoption.  We found this amazing foster home where he has thrived.  Now that he is hyperthyroid and needs pill this is considered a “high needs long term foster home” where Mitty can trust that no changes are ahead in the near future.  His family is now able to donate towards his food and meds which is very helpful.

2017 update

Mr. Mittens is now on medication for hyperthyroidism.  He is stable and still enjoying his permanent foster home very much.

2016 update

Mr. Mittens is doing great.  He is on a reduced dose of the medication for his skin condition.

2015 update

Mr. Mittens continues to do well and is losing weight which is good.

2014 Update

Mr. Mittens has a great Long Term Foster Home.  He is on medication for a skin condition.  In this case he is not with a senior but due to his not finding an adoptive home over a long period and needing medication he is in a high-needs adult home.  Three roommates give him a lot of attention.  His favorite thing is to put his head on people’s feet!

Update March 2013

 Mr. Mittens desperately needs a quiet 100% indoors home. He gets along with NONdominant cats. He is very affectionate but not good with children as he can get revved up with play. He is a very sweet kitty!

Reilly

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Update January 2016

Reilly aka Jackson had a loving home for over 3 years. Due to kidney failure he has now passed away. He will be greatly missed.

Ziggy

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Ziggy had many good years here at the rescue. He enjoyed his visitors and his kitty friends. For his last several months he had a very special visitor, Pat, our senior volunteer. Ziggy greeted her at the door and stayed by her every time she came. We all miss Ziggy very much.

Annalise

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We had the pleasure of knowing Anna Lise for about a year and a half. She had been fed for 10 years by a woman now nearly 98. We took Anna Lise to visit the woman every few weeks. Anna Lise had pancreatitis and kidney and thyroid issues. She was a very sweet elderly kitty who enjoyed her retirement indoors. She liked her visits to the senior who had helped her and would sit in her lap for petting. Finally, after a few hospitalizations, Anna Lise’s kidney totally failed and she passed away peacefully at the vet’s office. She was a very special kitty to all of us and will be greatly missed.

Merlin

Update April 2016

Merlin became very ill and after a recent hospitalization, testing, and care was found to have very, very serious heart disease. He passed way peacefully at our vet’s office in the lap of his senior foster mom of over two years. He was a very special kitty.

Maddie

About Madeline

In 2019 Maddie had higher needs for her health issues and went to a new foster home. Maddie had a wonderful life for 3-1/2 years with her foster mom/soulmate. Sadly, in the spring of 2023 she had incurable cancer. We will always remember this special kitty who was so very lovable.
- Maddie and her foster mom Abby:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LfTiIktW3WM&ab_channel=ShawSpotlight ------------------------------------------------- December 2018 update: Maddie has a home in our senior program!! We are thrilled that a long time senior volunteer has taken Maddie into her home as a senior foster in our program. Maddie now gets special attention with all the “small meals” she needs! Because of this her vomiting is very much reduced and only about once every 3 weeks. Maddie is so happy to have her own person and no cats. She has a seagull visitor every day who comes to the deck window. She has lots of lap time and follows her “mom” everywhere in the apartment. We are so happy for Maddie. It took a few years but she got a great forever home in our Long Term Senior Foster Program. Maddie has a sponsor for all of her many meds and vet care and her mom also contributes towards her food. We are happy that Maddie got her miracle. Maddie is a great cat and super affectionate. However, she is currently on three meds for a vomiting problem, one med for thyroid, and has a hernia which is very unusual as her entire bladder is in the hernia! She is under vet care and her problems are under control and she is stable.

She does not do well with other female cats and even if she senses them outside her door she will occasionally pee on something to mark the area. We still have hopes that with a home of her own with no other cats – and kept on her meds – she could be a great cat for a kind and caring person.

Mindy

About Mindy

August 2019 update: Over the last several months Mindy developed several medical conditions. She loved her life and kept going and going, even while battling some rough times. Finally she let us know that there was nothing more we could do treat her many illnesses. Our vet Dr. Stacey came to the house so Mindy was here in the place she knew as home for her final assistance. Mindy never got a home due to an unresolvable behavioral litter box issue so she was cared for by us for 10 years. She was the last cat we brought we us when leaving Cats Cradle to start Helping Homeless Cats. Mindy was a dear girl with a very sweet personality and we will miss her after all these years of togetherness. Mindy is white with lovely gray markings and has a one-of-a-kind appearance. The gray areas almost look like the design of a coat and hat. She is friendly, but a loner. She socializes a little bit at breakfast and then retreats for quality alone time during the day. When Mindy is very comfortable with someone, she will sit in their lap.

Mindy is quite affectionate, purrs loudly, and likes to roll around on the carpet and be petted and snuggled – once she gets used to someone which can take a couple months. She is timid around other cats and is easily frightened by dominant cats.

Mindy is very sweet and content to nap all day and wait for someone who is gone all day, but loves to come up to them later and meow to ask for attention.

Mindy is clean cat and healthy cat. She would be a good companion and nice cat to come home to. When comfy she will sleep on the foot of the bed or near the bed.

Mindy particularly likes women and in her past foster home she sometimes left the room when the husband entered. We don’t know why she is afraid of men, but she may do best in a home with only a woman.

Here is why Mindy is in this Cats in Care section: Mindy has a behavior problem where she will pee over the end of the box and occasionally has peed on other items. If there are other cats in her area she will also occasionally pee on other things to mark her territory. If she were with one quiet woman and no other cats, perhaps this would not happen as she has had long periods of not doing this – but it would be a trial foster or adoption.

Mindy has become overweight this year due to being with other cats and the type of feeding required for that situation. She would do well in a situation where the amount of her food could be controlled. Once settled and comfortable, Mindy would be a wonderful companion.

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UPDATE DECEMBER 2016

Mindy no longer has a “sponsor” but is very comfortable and enjoys her life here.  However, her litter box issue has worsened and she requires a lot of special care and bedding changes.  She has also had some issues with diarrhea but is stable now with treatment.

UPDATE FEBRUARY 2015

Mindy is doing about the same.  She is a healthy kitty but still has her litter box issue.  She enjoys the company of her roommate Mrs. Spice and also likes petting.  Mindy has a sponsor who donates for her food..

UPDATE JUNE 2013

Mindy still has a litter box issue and will occasionally pee in her cat bed, etc. ...  However, she is extremely affectionate and loves petting.  She has gained weight and is on a diet now.  For Mindy, this is her home and we are able to accommodate her needs at the rescue.  

UPDATE NOVEMBER 2012

Mindy does pee in the litter box a great deal of the time now, but not 100%. She remains unadoptable but has her friends here, feline and human, and is content.

UPDATE MAY 2012

Mindy is a great cat and is very stable and in good health. However. she simply will not always pee in the litter box, so she remains unadoptable. She is a very sweet girl and we will continue to provide a home for her as we are better equipped to deal with her issue than the average home...  

UPDATE APRIL 2011

Mindy is getting along well with the other cats here.  She has continued to have her litter box problem but would be happy to have a home of her own someday if someone is willing to deal with her issues.