UPDATE – URGENT CAT FUNDRAISER

Job Loss, New Job, and Ongoing Winter Emergency

On September 5, 2025, I lost my job of 24 years. I was later able to secure a new position, which pays the same as my previous job, and I am grateful to be working again. However, even at the same pay, we are still financially stretched thin, and the situation remains unstable.

We are currently in the middle of a very cold January and February, which has significantly increased the cost of caring for the cats. Cat care is not a one-time expense. It is ongoing, and winter is the most demanding and expensive season of all.

Our Situation

We currently care for 15 cats

• 7 indoor cats

• 8 outdoor cats

All are spayed/neutered and have basic vaccinations.

For years, we managed to get by on roughly $50 a month in donations, stretching every dollar as far as possible. That is no longer sustainable. Winter has required additional and unavoidable purchases, including:

• Extra blankets and straw for warmth

• Supplements to support immune health

• Higher-quality, low-dust litter that does not harm the cats’ respiratory systems

• Increased food needs due to cold temperatures

We are also planning a move within the next six months. Our goal is to take at least 11 cats with us and responsibly place the remaining 4 into safe homes. Moving adds another layer of cost and urgency, and we are doing everything possible to protect the cats during this transition.

Why We Are Still Struggling

Losing my long-term job removed what little financial cushion we had. Even though my new job pays the same, there is no surplus. Every dollar goes directly to basic living costs and cat care.

We are trying to build a small emergency nest egg for medical or weather-related crises, but under the current circumstances, that has simply not been possible.

At 57, rebuilding stability takes time, and the cats still require daily care regardless of employment or season.

Local shelters are full. Rural cat resources are extremely limited. Since 2021, we have tried to raise funds through Ko-fi and Facebook, but donations have been modest. Winter does not wait, and the cats cannot go without.

Our Current Goal

We are urgently trying to raise $5,000 to help us get through this critical winter period and stabilize care. Funds will be used to:

• Cover food and litter through January, February, and early spring

• Offset winter-specific supplies and supplements

• Build a small emergency medical reserve

• Create a secure catio at our new property

Every dollar matters. Even $5 helps keep a cat fed, warm, and safe. Sharing this fundraiser is just as valuable.

Important Note About This Fundraiser

IMPORTANT FUNDRAISING NOTE: This fundraiser was originally started in 2020, during the pandemic, when one of our cats required emergency eye removal surgery, and that original goal was met at the time. The $8,000 total shown reflects donations from 5 years ago and cannot be removed or reset on GoFundMe. We are currently requesting a new goal of $5,000 to address our current winter expenses and emergency care needs.

How This All Began

On August 12, 2021, one of our cats was brutally attacked by a trespasser and required emergency veterinary care costing over $500. That incident made it painfully clear how vulnerable these cats were and how necessary proper care and secure shelter would be.

Since then, despite very limited resources, we have ensured all cats are fixed and vaccinated. We became accidental caretakers in a rural area where cats are often overlooked. We refused to let that happen here.

Why Your Help Matters

These cats did not choose this situation. They depend on us, and right now, we are doing everything we can to hold things together during an extremely hard winter.

Your support helps ensure they are:

• Warm and properly fed

• Healthy and protected from illness

• Safe during extreme cold

• Secure as we prepare for our move

Thank you for standing with us and with these cats during this critical time.

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IF you want to donate IN KIND here is our AMAZON LIST

https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/dl/invite/8UoYJm-utyXlmqYTe36bOhbcaUsJoGR6n8UoatXTN9kDjJdz4LpthhypJZk0qxCqK4aLI-cXSPEstEZqPr_EXu8IptlRP-ZjiRNxRLI?ref_=wl_share