I’ve always had a deep love for cats, and since moving to Washington, Iowa, I’ve found myself caring for a growing number of community cats in our small rural town. With few local programs to help, I’ve taken on the responsibility of feeding, sheltering, and providing medical care the cats outside, including several who gave birth on my porch this summer. The challenges have been immense—many of the kittens were born with severe flea infestations and anemia, and only three survived. I’ve welcomed them into my home and covered all their vet care and food to give them a fighting chance. I (along with my neighbor) regularly care for the ones that are quick visitors, or those that now live around my house: Captain Winters, Oz, Waffles, Pancake, Ruby, Robin, Samson, and others. I care for these cats in addition to my own 7 cats and 1 dog. To say it's a lot financially each month is an understatement.

Over the past year, I’ve paid for spay and neuter surgeries, wound care, and emergency vet visits for these cats, including Captain Winters, who now needs dental care and a neuter. My connection to these cats runs deep, inspired by Stripes, a community cat I cared for until he passed away from FIP. I do this work in his memory, hoping to give every cat the chance for a healthy, safe life. The costs add up quickly—food, medical bills, and ongoing care—and I want to do even more by establishing a fund to help get more cats fixed in our town. With additional support, I could purchase traps and provide food for the local shelter, making a lasting difference for these special animals.

Every donation will go directly toward spay/neuter surgeries, urgent medical care, food, and supplies for the cats I care for and others in need. Your support will help me continue this work and expand it to reach even more cats who deserve a better life.