Please Help Me Rescue & Rehome Backyard Kittens While Caring for Our Community Cats
Hi, my name is Dena, and I’m reaching out for support during an incredibly challenging time.
I recently lost my job due to a reduction in force and, while actively seeking new employment. I’ve continued to care for a colony of community cats who have made my backyard their home (over the last 3 years). Despite having no current income, I remain committed to feeding, protecting, and working to rehome these animals, many of whom have come to rely on me daily for food, clean water, and safety.
About the Colony and the Kittens
At present, two mothers have had litters:
Peanut, who has lived on the property since 2022, recently had three kittens
Big Mama (Lacey), a super sweet and clearly abandoned domestic/tabby-Abyssinian mix, she had four kittens
Both mothers will be spayed as soon as their kittens are weaned, and I am working to trap, socialize, and find homes for each kitten. I need help as the process is slow, requiring patience and gentle socialization techniques to ensure they are not traumatized, especially important for their long-term adoption success.
I’ve successfully rescued and socialized five kittens in the past, and I currently care for three from last year’s litters who are thriving in our house.
Why I’m Asking for Help
I was recently laid off from my job where I have been for almost 10 years. In just the past three weeks, I’ve spent over $300 on food and supplies. As much as I love these animals, I’m reaching a point where I can’t financially continue this mission alone.
Your support will help me:
- Feed 12+ cats and kittens daily
- Trap, transport, and vet the kittens and adult cats
- Build more secure outdoor feeding and shelter stations
- Purchase humane traps and carriers
I've already been in contact with a local program through First Coast No More Homeless Pets. I will be bringing Peanut, Big Mama, and Bengal.
Supplies We Use Daily
- Food: Meow Mix dry and Friskies Pâté canned (economical and widely available)
- Shelter: Makeshift shelters made from tree limbs and waterproofed cardboard are wearing down; long-lasting outdoor cat houses are urgently needed
- Feeding Stations: Elevated, pest-resistant stations are a challenge in Florida’s stormy climate, but essential
- Trapping: I currently have one large trap and two carriers, I need at least 7 more traps to safely capture the rest of the kittens or if I'm lucky I will try to catch them using an outdoor cat tent.
Meet the Crew
Peanut (feral mom of Tigger, Bengal, and Jag = litter from 2023)
Current litter:
- Pip (orange/white tabby, male – friendly)
- Kit (black and white, female - friendly)
- Cali (tortoise point calico) female - timid but coming around)
Big Mama (Lacey) = new arrival, she showed up about 5 months ago, she is extremely friendly, allows me to pick her up and carry her which is why I believe someone dumped her, she is a domestic/tabby-Abyssinian mix, but shouldn't catch until her kittens have all been caught
Her kittens:
- Socks (playful tabby mix, very friendly) - male
- Tabby (grey brown, looks like mom, friendly) - male
- Blue (likely female, Abyssinian coloring) - timid but starting to warm up to me
- Raven (all black, likely female) - a little timid but more curious
These names are just identifiers for now; future adopters can choose their own.
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Every dollar helps, and 100% of donations will go directly to the care, feeding, and rescue of these animals. Even if you’re unable to contribute financially, sharing this campaign with others can make a world of difference. I'm also happy to speak directly with anyone interested in helping in other ways or adopting. These babies deserve a better life than what they've been handed, they must go to "GOOD" homes.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for supporting this mission. Together, we can give these voiceless animals the second chance they deserve.
With gratitude,
Dena Boyd