Two years ago, when I moved into a rental farmhouse in rural Minnesota, I discovered more than 40 stray and feral cats living on the property. Amongst may other strays in the Park Rapids area. They had been surviving without consistent food, shelter, or medical care for years
What I’ve Done So Far
Rehomed over 30 cats into safe indoor homes
Spayed and neutered every single cat I’ve been able to trap
Vaccinated all of them, including rabies and core vaccines
Built an enclosed, insulated shelter on my back deck
Installed 10 Cat Cooler shelters, two Kitty Tubes, and multiple insulated straw shelters
Dedicated my entire garage to them — I can’t even park my car there because it now holds four heated shelters, heated bowls, and safe sleeping areas
Provide heated water and heated food dishes daily
Feed 14 cans of Friskies wet food every single day, plus constant dry food
Driven over 3,000 miles transporting cats to rescues, spay/neuter appointments, and vet visits
Covered countless vet bills, including emergency care, injuries, infections, and humane euthanasia when suffering couldn’t be relieved
Trap and transport them for medical care whenever needed
Right now, 21 cats remain, including two new arrivals who recently showed up and now depend on me for food, warmth, and safety.
The Reality I’m Facing
Many of the cats are currently dealing with upper respiratory infections, which means:
More vet visits
More medications
More trapping
More costs
Outdoor cats also get hurt — abscesses, frostbite, injuries — and every incident means another vet bill. I’ve been handling all of this alone for two years, and the financial strain has become overwhelming.
I am doing everything I can, but I am drowning in the cost of keeping them fed, warm, and medically cared for.
What Donations Will Support
Daily food (14 cans of wet food + dry food)
Heated bowls, shelters, and winter supplies
Straw, insulation, and shelter upkeep
Vet visits for injuries and illness
Medications for respiratory infections
Emergency care when needed
Ongoing TNR maintenance
Every dollar goes directly to the cats’ survival and wellbeing.
Why I’m Asking for Help
These cats didn’t choose this life. They were abandoned long before I arrived. I’ve tried to give them safety, warmth, and dignity — and I’ve done it alone for two years.
But I can’t continue without help.
If you can donate, share, or simply spread the word, it would mean the world to me and to the 21 cats who depend on me every day.
Thank you for caring about animals who have been forgotten by everyone else.
I couldn’t walk away from them.
Since then, I’ve taken on the full responsibility of caring for them — physically, financially, and emotionally.