What started as one hungry stray has turned into a growing crisis.

In Cheektowaga, NY, a kind-hearted man began feeding a friendly cat after a neighbor moved and left her behind. What started as one cat soon grew, as there are sadly many stray and abandoned cats in the area who quickly found their way to his home. He did what any compassionate person would do, but without being spayed or neutered, the cats rapidly multiplied. Now, a few years later, he finds himself overwhelmed, caring for up to 20 cats, with more kittens continuing to appear.

He never intended for this to happen, and now he’s asking for help. That’s where I—and hopefully you—come in.

What We're Doing

I’m currently coordinating trap-neuter-return (TNR) efforts and organizing spay/neuter appointments to prevent further overpopulation and reduce suffering.

How Your Donation Helps:

Unfortunately, I’m not able to foster or socialize the cats myself at the moment, but we’re actively looking for foster homes—both for the friendly, adoptable cats and for those who need a little extra time and socialization before they’re ready for adoption. In the meantime, I’m fully committed to managing the logistics, coordinating vet care, and making sure these cats get the help they need. The truly feral cats will be safely returned to the man’s property after being fixed and vetted.

How You Can Help

Every single dollar goes directly toward helping these cats. Even a small donation—$5 or $10—can help cover food, vaccines, or vet care. If you're not in a position to donate, sharing this campaign can make a huge difference too.

Let’s come together to help this kind man regain control and give these cats a real shot at a healthier, safer life. ❤️

About Me

Hi, I’m Melissa Bruscia—an independent cat rescuer, owner of The Meow Maid, and a volunteer at Tabby Town Cat Adoption Center. For the past five years, I’ve worked to rescue stray, abandoned, and feral cats in Western New York—humanely trapping them, fostering when possible, and preparing them for adoption.

Whenever I can, I cover expenses out of pocket—vet visits, food, litter, and emergency care. But I can’t do it alone.

Last summer, I helped another resident in Cheektowaga who was in a similar situation. With the help of Tabby Town and the generosity of our community, we were able to get 12 cats and kittens off the streets and into loving homes. That’s the kind of impact we can have when we work together—and that’s what I hope to do again here.

Thank you so much for your kindness, compassion, and support!

With gratitude,

Melissa Bruscia

The Meow Maid