From Foster to Trapper: Rising to the Challenge
We’re excited to share the ongoing recent journey of one of our fosters who, driven by compassion, has transformed into a full-time trapper, embodying both the spirit and challenges at the heart of our mission to rescue cats in need.
September 26: The story began when we spotted the first cats on a neighboring property. Acting swiftly, we set two traps and quickly secured two cats. By the next morning, we reached out to our Trapper Coordinator, securing desperately needed TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) slots. Meanwhile, we caught two more cats, four in all, each one safely transferred for spay/neuter thanks to our dedicated team.
September 28: The following day brought both heartbreak and hope. We captured another cat, but during his transfer he slipped away, hiding out in our garage for two tense days. Our persistence paid off: we successfully retrapped him, and with help from another trapper, ensured his neuter and safety. It truly takes a village to make this work possible.
October 14: As the leaves changed, so did the faces we rescued; three more cats were trapped that day, including two social felines and one in dire health. That cat, John Boy, remains under our care receiving medical attention. The others, like gentle Misty, have found comfort and love in foster homes.
October 16: We learned from the Humane Society’s COO that a relative of the hoarding house’s owner had reached out. The very next day, we met with him to search the property for more cats, and especially for hidden litters.
October 18: Donning respirators and protective gear, my husband and I entered the hoarding house. Nothing could prepare us for the perilous conditions: staggering debris, filth, and signs of desperate feline survival. After gaining permission, we placed traps inside the home and, that night, caught three more cats, including two gentle souls and Mr. CreamPuff, who is now blossoming in foster care.
The Next Day:
October 19: I returned to set more traps and heard frantic cries, kittens buried beneath bathroom rubble. We were able to save two, who are now thriving with bottle-feeding fosters. All remaining adults that were known to be inside the house were also trapped; we are still confirming the final count.
October 21: Demonstrating teamwork at its finest, my husband and his son transformed a small shed into a warm, solar-lit recovery shelter for the cats post-surgery.
More Rescues Unfold:
October 22: Another kitten surfaced, hidden in the bathroom, but now safe in foster care.
November 1: While scouting the property, my husband discovered a tiny black kitten stranded in a deep window well beside a deceased sibling. That kitten, too, is now safe and cared for.
November 2: We set three traps that night and caught three adult cats—about a year old—adding yet more lives saved.
So far, we have rescued, treated, and provided homes or foster care for 21 cats and kittens from this property, with at least half a dozen more still to be found.
These cats have faced unimaginable hardship, but with your help, we can rewrite their stories. From emergency medical care to safe, warm shelter, the costs of this lifesaving work are overwhelming. We rely entirely on donations and the tireless dedication of our volunteers.
Mr. Creampuff & Sweet Pea
Latest Update:
November 11: A message from our determined foster-turned-trapper:
2:49 AM: "I am trying for 4 tomorrow. Fingers crossed I catch the elusive calicos."
8:32 AM: "So far I have two and I finally caught the calico!"
We’ll keep sharing updates on this journey. Thank you for being part of our rescue family and for making this work possible!
#straycatbluesgivingtuesday
Share this story to Facebook and help us raise awareness for TNR and Giving Tuesday!
